Erdoğan mourns school shooting victims in Kahramanmaraş

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his condolences Wednesday to the victims of the deadly school shooting in Kahramanmaraş, an attack he said “has deeply saddened Türkiye, especially our beloved children.” On his NSosyal account, Erdoğan wrote: “Unfortunately, in this tragic attack, we lost our bright children and a devoted educator. I pray to Almighty God to grant mercy to those we have lost.” Nine people were killed and 13 injured, six of them in critical condition.

Attack Details and Investigation

Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer said the attack was carried out by an eighth‑grade student at Ayser Çalık Secondary School. The student brought firearms in a backpack and opened fire indiscriminately after entering two classrooms. The suspected attacker also died; it remains unclear whether he shot himself intentionally or was killed during the chaos. The weapons may have belonged to the suspect’s father, a former police officer. The student reportedly arrived with five firearms and seven magazines.

National and International Condolences

Public prosecutors, civil administration and education inspectors are conducting a thorough investigation. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep sadness over the attack in “brotherly country Türkiye” and extended condolences to the victims’ families. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also expressed grave sorrow and sympathy to President Erdoğan. The tragedy has shaken the nation, with authorities promising a full clarification of all aspects of the incident.