Gunman Opens Fire at Turkish School; Multiple Injuries Reported, Suspect Dies

An alarming incident unfolded at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Siverek, Sanliurfa, this morning, April 14, when a gunman opened fire, resulting in multiple injuries.

Reports indicate that at least sixteen individuals sustained injuries during the attack. Some early publications suggested a higher number of casualties. There were also unconfirmed reports that some students might have been held hostage before the perpetrator died by suicide.

Eyewitness accounts and online footage depicted students scrambling to escape the building, with some reportedly seen leaping from windows to flee the scene. Dozens of students were observed running out of the school premises.

Emergency services, including armed security forces, police, and medical teams, were dispatched to the school immediately. Security personnel worked to evacuate students while managing the developing crisis.

Among the injured are four teachers, ten students, one police officer, and a member of the canteen staff.

The assailant allegedly began firing after entering the school premises. Witnesses described the suspect as firing indiscriminately in the school grounds before entering the main building.

Authorities engaged in efforts to neutralize the suspect while attempting to encourage surrender, according to Turkiye Today. The situation was later confirmed to have concluded with the suspect, reportedly 19 years old, taking his own life.

Sources suggest the shooter was a former student of the institution. Initial reports also suggested the use of a hunting rifle or shotgun.

Governor of Şanlıurfa, Hasan Şıldak, confirmed to local media that 16 people had been injured, with the majority being students. He stated, "We have 16 injured. Most of the injured are students. The attacker is a former student of our school, born in 2007. The attacker took his own life. We have evacuated the school. The incident is being investigated from all angles."

According to NTV Sanliurfa correspondent Kadir Celikcan, the suspect had been involved in a prior altercation with students before returning to the school with a weapon.