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Nine killed in attack at Kahramanmaras school
Eight students and one teacher died after a gunman opened fire at Ayser Calik Secondary School in southern Turkey on Wednesday, Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed.
Updated 15 April 2026 - Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
Attack details
The assailant, reportedly a teenager, entered two classrooms armed with five firearms and seven ammunition magazines, according to local governor Mukerren Unluer. Turkish media said the weapons belonged to the attacker's father, a former police officer.
Thirteen people were wounded in the shooting, with six in critical condition, Ciftci stated. The gunman was killed during the incident.
Witness accounts and aftermath
An NTV reporter at the scene described "intense gunfire" and "panic" outside the school. Footage showed crowds gathering, some recording on mobile phones, while ambulances transported victims.
Emergency services responded swiftly, but the attack has reignited concerns about school safety in Turkey following a similar incident the previous day.
Recent surge in school violence
On Tuesday, an ex-student shot and injured 16 people at another high school in southern Turkey before taking his own life. The back-to-back attacks have prompted calls for stricter gun control measures.
Investigation underway
Authorities have launched an inquiry into Wednesday's shooting, though the motive remains unclear. Officials have not yet released the identity of the attacker.
"We are determined to uncover the full circumstances of this tragedy," Ciftci said.
