Turkish police order 83 arrests over online praise for school shootings

Following two school shootings in Turkey this week, authorities have arrested 83 individuals for sharing content that glorifies acts of violence. The police stated that these individuals were “identified for promoting crime and criminals through online posts, which disrupted public order.” Additionally, 940 social media profiles and 93 Telegram channels have been suspended as part of the investigation.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday at a southern Turkey school, where at least nine people lost their lives. A day earlier, an attack in the southeast injured 16 individuals, including students and staff. In the Kahramanmaras region, eight students and one teacher were among the fatalities, with 13 others sustaining injuries, six of whom are in serious condition. The perpetrator, a 14-year-old, was also killed during the attack at Ayser Calik Secondary School.

Authorities revealed that digital evidence uncovered during the probe included a document dated April 11, 2026, found on the suspect’s computer. This indicated plans for a significant operation. The suspect had previously posted a photo on WhatsApp referencing Elliot Rodger, a 22-year-old U.S. mass killer who executed six people and then committed suicide in California in 2014.

Local media reported that the attacker, thought to be a student, entered two classrooms armed with five firearms and seven ammunition clips. A victim’s aunt shared with the BBC that she learned of her 10-year-old niece’s death when her name was announced on the news. On Thursday, funeral services for four victims will take place at the city’s central mosque, with three government ministers attending, as reported by the BBC.

Earlier in the week, another shooting occurred on Tuesday at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Siverek. The attacker, a teenager, fired “randomly with a shotgun” before taking his own life. Local governor Hasan Şildak confirmed the incident.

“During the examination of digital materials, a document dated April 11, 2026, was found on the suspect’s computer indicating that he intended to carry out a major operation in the near future.”