One of the two suspects arrested for a gun attack targeting the Private Dadyan Armenian Secondary School in Istanbul’s Bakırköy district has been released, while the other was referred to the court. The attack, which occurred early yesterday morning, involved three bullets hitting the school’s wall and windows according to Akunk.
According to Istanbul Police, security camera footage revealed that one suspect fired the shots while the other collected the shell casings. Following the incident, the suspects entered a nearby residence, prompting police to take precautionary measures before launching an operation. The suspects, identified as Ş.K. and Y.Ç., were apprehended, and a search of their residence uncovered an unlicensed firearm and 14 bullets.
The police investigation revealed that both suspects have extensive criminal records for various offenses. After processing, Y.Ç. was released by judicial authorities pending further investigation, while Ş.K. was charged with “property damage,” “endangering public safety intentionally,” and violating Turkey’s Firearms Law No. 6136. Ş.K. was referred to the judiciary for further legal proceedings.
The incident has raised concerns within Istanbul’s Armenian community, who view the attack as a worrying escalation of violence targeting their institutions. Calls for stronger protective measures and a thorough investigation into the motives behind the attack have intensified in light of this incident.