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A 16-year-old high school student killed two police officers and wounded four others in a rifle attack on a police station in Izmir's Balcova district on Monday before allegedly dying from injuries sustained during the confrontation. Authorities are investigating possible links to Daesh after the attacker posted an alleged manifesto-like message on social media.
The attacker, identified only as E.B., opened fire with a pump-action rifle at the Salih Isgoren Police Station, killing Police Chief Inspector Muhsin Aydemir and Police Officer Hasan Akin.
The assailant was wounded during the confrontation, captured at the scene, and reportedly later died at the hospital where he was receiving treatment. However, later it was stated by the Ministry of Interior that the news regarding the death of 16-year-old E.B. is not true.
President Erdogan said, "I wish Allah's mercy upon Police Chief Inspector Aydemir and our police officer Akin, who were martyred in the heinous attack, and I wish a speedy recovery to our injured police officers."
An X account allegedly belonging to the attacker contained a post stating "I will perform a suicide attack soon and become a martyr, Allah willing," along with posts related to the Daesh terrorist organization, according to reports.
Security analysts noted this marks the first time in Türkiye that a youth inspired by Daesh has carried out an attack, reflecting a trend seen in Europe.
"The attacker's profile shows Daesh sympathies. However, despite likely not being a Daesh member, the attack will probably be claimed by Daesh," security analysts indicated.
Investigators have not yet determined whether the perpetrator had direct links with Daesh or local pro-Daesh communities.
Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor Ali Yeldan confirmed the casualties at the scene.
"The attacker is in custody. We have two martyrs. May Allah have mercy on them—our condolences. We have wounded citizens and officers. There are around six wounded," Yeldan told reporters.
"The investigation continues. There will be a detailed statement," he noted.
Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban provided details of the assault, explaining the attacker was a third-year high school student living on the same street as the police station.
"One police officer, one police chief inspector were martyred in the clash. Two of our police officers were taken to the hospital for treatment. This is a busy street. In this clash, one citizen was also lightly wounded in the hand," Elban said.
The governor confirmed the 16-year-old had no criminal record or previous detentions. The attacker used a rifle his father had purchased 10 years ago.
When asked if the attacker had come to the station to file a complaint about domestic violence, Elban responded: "No. There is no complaint to any police station, no UYAP record, no criminal record, no previous detention or previous statement."
Governor Elban also stated, "The attacker was wounded and taken into custody. His treatment is continuing at Alsancak State Hospital. We are investigating the incident from multiple angles."
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the capture on social media, stating: "Our nation's condolences."
"Following this heinous attack, unfortunately, our 1st Class Police Director, Police Chief Inspector Muhsin Aydemir and our Police Officer Hasan Akin were martyred, Police Officer Omer Amilag was seriously wounded and Police Officer Murat Dagli was lightly wounded," Yerlikaya stated.
"I pray for Allah's mercy on our heroic martyrs and urgent healing for our wounded. The suspect E.B. has been captured. An investigation has been launched. The public will be informed of developments," he concluded.
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