Turkish authorities have detained 162 individuals for allegedly posting content online that praised two deadly school shootings that occurred this week, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the tragedies.
Police stated that those arrested were "found to have engaged in posts and activities praising crime and criminals and negatively affecting public order." The crackdown follows two separate attacks that left communities in mourning.
On Wednesday, at least nine people were killed in a shooting at Ayser Calik Secondary School in the city of Kahramanmaras. The victims included eight students and one teacher, with 13 others wounded. The 14-year-old attacker was also killed during the incident. The local prosecutor's office revealed that a document dated April 11, 2026, found on the suspect's computer indicated he "intended to carry out a major operation in the near future." Police noted the suspect had referenced US mass killer Elliot Rodger in a photo on his WhatsApp profile.
Just a day earlier, on Tuesday, 16 people were injured in a shooting at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district. The attacker, described as an ex-student in his late teens, fired "indiscriminately with a shotgun" before taking his own life, according to local governor Hasan Şildak.
Hundreds gathered near Kahramanmaras's main mosque on Thursday for the funerals of the young victims. Among them was 10-year-old Zeynep, whose uncle, Mahmut, told reporters she was a clever girl who respected others. "Now she is an angel, she flew away," he said. The aunt of another 10-year-old victim, Shura, said she learned of her niece's death when her name was read out on the news. A bereaved relative at the funerals called for increased protection in schools following the attacks.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that 95 individuals were arrested for sharing footage of the attacks despite a broadcast ban, posting content that could create fear, praising crime, encouraging offences, and circulating misinformation. Restrictions have also been imposed on 1,104 social media accounts. An additional 67 people were taken into custody for allegedly sharing posts indicating that attacks would be carried out at other schools.
Three Turkish government ministers were expected to attend the funerals, underscoring the national significance of the events.