After school shooting kills 9 in Turkey, over 160 detained for online posts praising attack

Turkish authorities have detained more than 160 people for allegedly sharing and promoting content praising a recent school shooting, following a deadly attack that left nine people dead in the country’s south.

According to international reports, the shooting took place at a middle school in Kahramanmaraş, where a 14-year-old student opened fire, killing eight students and one teacher before killing self. At least 13 others were injured in the attack.

In the aftermath of the incident, Turkish police launched a nationwide operation targeting social media activity linked to the shooting. Authorities said those detained were accused of “praising crime and criminals” and sharing posts that could incite fear or encourage similar acts.

Officials also blocked hundreds of social media accounts and messaging groups as part of the crackdown. Investigators are examining online networks where content related to the attack was circulated, including posts that appeared to glorify the perpetrator.

The action comes amid heightened concern over the role of online platforms following the incident, which is among the deadliest school shootings reported in Turkey in recent years. Authorities have indicated that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found responsible for spreading or endorsing such content.

The Kahramanmaraş shooting was the second such incident in Turkey within two days. A day earlier, a separate attack at a high school in Şanlıurfa province left at least 16 people injured when a former student opened fire before taking his own life.

Officials have stated that investigations into both incidents are ongoing, with a focus on understanding the motive and preventing further violence. The government has also signalled increased monitoring of digital platforms in the wake of the attacks.

School shootings are relatively rare in Turkey, making the recent incidents particularly alarming and prompting renewed debate over school safety and access to firearms.