Turkey Detains Hundreds Over Social Media Posts on School Shootings

Turkey is reeling from two devastating school shootings that occurred within a span of two days, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. In response to the tragedies, Turkish police have taken 162 individuals into custody for allegedly sharing provocative content on social media.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that these accounts were responsible for disseminating footage of the incidents, spreading fear-inducing content, and glorifying crime. The shootings, which took place in the country's southeast, left at least 16 people injured in addition to the fatalities.

Funerals and Aftermath

Hundreds of people have gathered near the city's main mosque for the funerals of the young victims, which were held on Thursday. One of the victims, 10-year-old Zeynep, was remembered by her uncle, Mahmut, who described her as a clever and respectful girl. He said, "Now she is an angel, she flew away." Mahmut also expressed his desire for increased protection in schools following the attack.

The aunt of another victim, Shura, learned about her 10-year-old niece's death when her name was read out on the news. Three Turkish government ministers are expected to attend the funerals, according to reports.

Investigation and Suspect

Turkish officials reported that eight students and one teacher were killed in the shooting in Kahramanmaras, with 13 others wounded, including six in critical condition. The 14-year-old attacker was also killed during the incident, which occurred at Ayser Calik Secondary School.

According to the local prosecutor's office, the suspect had planned the attack in advance. A document dated April 11, 2026, was found on the suspect's computer, indicating his intention to carry out a major operation in the near future. The suspect had also referenced US mass killer Elliot Rodger in a photo on his WhatsApp profile.

Turkish media reported that the attacker, believed to be a student, entered two classrooms and was armed with five guns and seven magazines. The attack on Tuesday, which left 16 injured, took place at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Siverek district.

Online Restrictions and Detentions

Justice Minister Gürlek announced that 95 individuals had been taken into custody due to concerns over online behavior following the attacks. They have been accused of sharing footage related to the attack despite a broadcast ban, as well as sharing content that could create fear among the public and praising crime.

Restrictions have also been imposed on 1,104 social media accounts, according to Gürlek. An additional 67 people have been detained for sharing posts that indicated attacks would be carried out at other schools.