Turkey school shooting: 13-year-old gunman kills 9, injures 13 in Kahramanmaras

Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed the toll, stating that six of the injured are in intensive care, with three in critical condition.

According to provincial governor Mukerrem Unluer, the attacker—an eighth-grade student—brought multiple firearms to school in his backpack, allegedly belonging to his father, a former police officer.

“He entered two classrooms and opened fire randomly,” Unluer said.

The suspect was reportedly carrying five guns and seven magazines. He died during the incident, with officials saying it remains unclear whether he took his own life or was killed amid the chaos.

Police have detained the boy’s father, identified as Ugur Mersinli, as part of the investigation.

Scenes of panic

Videos from the scene showed terrified students jumping from first-floor windows to escape the gunfire, while others fled across the school courtyard. Around 15 shots could be heard in one clip lasting over a minute.

Ambulances and security forces quickly surrounded the school, as distressed parents rushed to the site.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said prosecutors have launched an immediate investigation.

Second shooting in two days

The tragedy comes just a day after another shooting in the Siverek district of Sanliurfa, where a former student wounded 16 people before killing himself during a police standoff. Ten of those injured were students.

Responding to the back-to-back incidents, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said those responsible for any lapses “will certainly be held accountable.”

Authorities have already detained one suspect and suspended four officials in connection with Tuesday’s attack.

Growing security concerns

Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel warned that school violence in Turkey can no longer be seen as isolated incidents.

“This issue has turned into a growing and deepening security vulnerability,” he said, calling for stricter security measures, including enhanced surveillance, increased personnel, and stronger emergency response systems.

School shootings have historically been rare in Turkey, which enforces strict gun control laws. However, the recent incidents have raised concerns over enforcement and access to firearms.