The attack occurred at the "Ahmet Koyuncu" Vocational and Technical High School in the Siverek district of Sanliurfa province. In a video that has surfaced publicly, with the faces of minors blurred for their protection, complete chaos is visible, with frightened students panicking and running out of the school building accompanied by security forces, while numerous emergency vehicles, police, and concerned citizens gather in front of the building.
The Governor of Sanliurfa province, Hasan Sildak, addressed the public and provided official details of this morning's attack.
"This morning, around 9:30, a person born in 2007 entered the school with a 'pump-action' shotgun and opened fire randomly. Unfortunately, 16 people were injured, including four teachers, 10 students, one police officer, and a cafeteria worker. Fortunately, there are no fatalities among the victims," stated Sildak.
The Governor explained that four of the injured (two teachers and two students) were transferred to hospitals in the city center for further treatment, and their condition is assessed as moderate.
He also added that the attacker was cornered inside the school building after a swift police intervention.
"He was cornered and there, using a firearm, took his own life. He was found dead. We have fully evacuated the school," added Sildak, emphasizing that the attacker had no prior criminal record and that the school was previously classified as safe.
The Ministry of Interior of Turkey has officially confirmed the breakdown of the injured, while witness statements testify to the brutality and speed with which the attack unfolded.
One of the unnamed witnesses who happened to be at the scene described the beginning of the attack in detail:
"It was a boy, about 17 or 18 years old. He suddenly entered through the entrance gate of the schoolyard. As soon as he entered, he pulled out a long, bulky shotgun, like those 'pump-action' shotguns. He immediately started shooting left and right, and then towards the school itself."
The witness states that the attacker then ran into the building and continued his bloody rampage.
"He started shooting at anyone in his path. With the screams of students and teachers, everyone scattered in a second. I couldn't see exactly what was happening after that because he went inside, and soon the police and all other services arrived," recounted the visibly shaken witness.
The motive for this horrific attack remains unknown for now, and a police investigation is ongoing.