On the morning of 22 September, a shooting took place near the İnci Üzmez Vocational and Technical High School in the Turkish town of Turgutlu, in the province of Manisa. According to official figures from the provincial authorities, at least eight people were injured. The suspect has been detained by the police, and the motive for the attack is currently being investigated.
• The shooting took place at around 08:00 near the vocational college in Turgutlu.
• At least eight casualties have been officially confirmed.
• Turkish media later reported that ten people had been injured, two of whom were in a serious condition.
• The attacker used a shotgun and tried to flee after the shooting.
• The police have arrested a suspect; the investigation is ongoing.
The shooting took place near an educational establishment
The incident took place at around 07:59 local time in the Albayrak district of Turgutlu.
According to a statement from the Manisa provincial administration, the emergency services received a report of a shooting in the vicinity of İnci Üzmez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School — a vocational school. Numerous police patrols and ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene.
According to preliminary reports, the attacker arrived in the area around the school with a rifle and opened fire. Turkish media are reporting that the victims are pupils.
The Associated Press, citing the provincial authorities, also confirms that the shooting took place in front of the vocational college, rather than directly in the school’s classrooms.
The number of injured is being clarified
In their first official statement, the Manisa authorities announced that eight people injured, who were taken to the nearest hospitals. Meanwhile, later reports from the Turkish news agency IHA indicate that 10 injured pupils, two of whom, according to preliminary reports, are in a serious condition. Consequently, the number of casualties may still be subject to change.
Footage released from the scene shows several ambulances, police and a large crowd of people near the school.
The suspect was arrested
The Manisa provincial administration has reported that the police have identified and arrested a person suspected of carrying out the shooting. The suspect is in custody.
Turkish media report that this concerns A 15-year-old teenager, but as he is a minor, we are not publishing his name.
The motive for the attack is as yet unknown
The authorities have begun criminal and administrative investigations. The reasons for the shooting have not yet been officially established.
The police are continuing to carry out operations in the area around the educational institution. It is expected that the Manisa authorities will release further information on the condition of the victims and the circumstances of the attack once the initial investigative measures have been completed.
