By Lizzy Chirkpi
At least eight people, including students, were injured after a gunman opened fire near a secondary school in western Turkey on Tuesday morning.
Two of the victims were reportedly in serious condition following the shooting, which occurred at about 7:59 a.m. local time near the İnci Üzmez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Turgutlu district of Manisa province, close to Izmir.
The suspect, believed to be a ninth-grade student at the school, was arrested after reportedly fleeing the scene.
The Manisa Governor’s Office confirmed the incident, saying security and emergency medical teams were immediately deployed after receiving reports of gunfire.
In a statement, the governor’s office said: “On September 22, 2026, at approximately 07:59, a report was received regarding a shooting near the İnci Üzmez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Turgutlu district.
“Following the report, numerous security and medical teams were dispatched to the area.
“Initial reports indicate that eight people were affected. The injured were transported to the nearest medical facility.
“Following the incident, the suspect believed to have fired the weapon was apprehended and taken into custody by our security forces.
“A judicial and administrative investigation has been launched into the incident, and further developments will be shared with the public.”
Turkish news outlet Anka reported that the suspect fled shortly after the shooting before being apprehended by security forces.
The incident triggered panic among parents, with reports indicating that some attempted to enter the school to retrieve their children.
A confrontation subsequently broke out between some parents and police officers at the scene.
Authorities have launched judicial and administrative investigations into the shooting, while the motive and other circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.