Youth allegedly slaughters two law enforcement officials at a police station in İzmir; motives yet to be clarified

In the Balçova district of Izmir, western Turkey, on September 8, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded when a 16-year-old high-school student launched an attack on a local police station.

The assault began when the suspect, identified as E.B., approached the station with a pump-action shotgun. Panicked shouts of "Bomb!" and "Shoot him, brother, shoot him!" echoed from the crowd as the suspect reached into a rucksack and threw an object.

The ensuing chaos resulted in the death of two police officers and the serious injury of a third. The assailant first shot and killed a police officer standing guard in front of the station.

As the situation escalated, the suspect was subdued by police after being shot in the leg and was subsequently referred to a hospital for treatment. The second victim was a police chief inspector who was killed in an ensuing clash.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Turkish authorities have not made any statements suggesting that the suspect openly supported extremist groups on social media. However, some Turkish media outlets have suggested that the attacker had shared posts linked to extremist groups, including ISIL, as a possible motive for the attack.

The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stated that the connections of the attacker are under investigation. In response to the incident, police immediately imposed tight security measures in the Izmir area.

A video of the assault showed the wounded teenager shouting "God is Great" while lying on the pavement. Bystanders can be heard in another clip urging police to call an ambulance and to take the suspect's weapon. Another footage showed a person in a balaclava, a black top, and pale trousers carrying a rifle and entering a building.

The shotgun used in the attack was reportedly bought by the suspect's father 10 years ago. The suspect had no prior criminal record or previous arrest.

Following the incident, multiple bullet cases were found on the ground near the suspect. The suspect's weapon was also recovered by the police.

In the aftermath of the attack, there has been widespread condemnation and calls for increased security measures across Turkey. The Turkish authorities are working diligently to understand the motives behind this tragic incident and to bring those responsible to justice.

Youth allegedly slaughters two law enforcement officials at a police station in İzmir; motives yet to be clarified