Gunman among the dead as probe begins into shocking school attack in Kahramanmaras
A deadly shooting at a middle school in Kahramanmaraş on Wednesday left nine people dead and 13 others injured, six of them critically, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, the attack was carried out by a male eighth-grade student at Ayser Çalık Secondary School, though the motive remains unknown. The student reportedly entered the school carrying firearms in a backpack before opening fire indiscriminately inside two classrooms.
Mükerrem Ünlüer said four of the injured are undergoing surgery and remain in critical condition. The suspected attacker also died during the incident, though it is unclear whether the death was self-inflicted or occurred amid the chaos.
Authorities believe the weapons may have belonged to the suspect’s father, a former police officer. The student is said to have brought multiple firearms and ammunition into the school.
Ramazan Murat Tiryaki confirmed that a full investigation has been launched, with several prosecutors assigned to examine the incident on site.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said officials are continuing their work at the scene, while Education Minister Yusuf Tekin travelled to the region along with senior officials shortly after the attack.
The Education Ministry has also dispatched inspectors to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident.
Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said all aspects of the shooting are being carefully examined, urging media outlets to exercise restraint given the involvement of minors.
Authorities have imposed restrictions on media coverage to protect the integrity of the investigation, with officials promising updates as inquiries progress.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that schools across Kahramanmaraş will remain closed for two days following the tragedy.
