Armed Attack on Police Station in Izmir Leaves 2 Officers Dead, 2 Injured

A shocking armed assault targeted the Salih İşgören Police Station in Izmir’s Balçova district on the morning of September 9, leaving two police officers dead and two others injured. Authorities confirmed that the attacker was a 16-year-old identified as E.B., who opened fire with a long-barreled weapon before being shot in the leg and captured by police.

According to initial reports, Chief Police Inspector Muhsin Aydemir and police officer Hasan Akın were killed in the attack. Officer Ömer Amilağ was critically injured, while officer Murat Dağlı sustained lighter injuries. Both survivors were taken to Dokuz Eylül University Hospital for treatment.

Prosecutors Launch Investigation

The Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately launched a judicial investigation, assigning two deputy chief prosecutors and six prosecutors to the case. Security forces have begun examining the attacker’s background, possible motives, and whether he had any outside connections.

Attack Caught on Camera

The dramatic moment when the teenager launched the assault was caught on security cameras. Video footage also shows the moment he was shot in the leg and subsequently searched by police officers after being neutralized.

Possible Motive: Allegations of Mistreatment

Unverified reports suggest that the teenager had been detained at the same police station a few days earlier and later told those around him that he had suffered mistreatment while in custody. Allegedly, he retrieved his father’s shotgun—purchased more than ten years ago—and carried out the attack in retaliation.

Officials, however, have not confirmed whether these allegations were connected to the motive, stressing that the investigation is still ongoing.

Interior Minister Confirms Casualties

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya issued a statement on social media, expressing condolences and confirming the details of the attack:

“May our nation be comforted. An armed attack targeted the Salih İşgören Police Station in Balçova, Izmir. Sadly, our Chief Police Inspector Muhsin Aydemir and Police Officer Hasan Akın were martyred. Police Officer Ömer Amilağ was seriously wounded, and Police Officer Murat Dağlı was slightly injured. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs, and we wish a speedy recovery for our injured officers. The suspect E.B. (16) has been captured. A judicial investigation has been launched. The public will be kept informed as developments unfold.”

Justice Minister: Special Prosecutor Team Appointed

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç also confirmed the launch of an investigation via social media, adding that a special team of prosecutors has been assigned to oversee the case due to its severity.

Governor: Attacker Had No Criminal Record

Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban provided additional details, noting that the attacker had no prior criminal record and lived on the same street as the police station.

“The suspect was captured alive and is being treated at Alsancak Hospital. He had no prior arrests or criminal background. The weapon used belonged to his father and was purchased ten years ago. We are very saddened. Our condolences to the police force and our nation. We are conducting a full investigation and will share details once confirmed.”

Rumors Denied: Attacker Still Alive

Following circulating reports on social media claiming the attacker had died, the Interior Ministry issued a clarification:

“Reports that the 16-year-old suspect who attacked our police officers in Izmir has died are not true. He remains under treatment at the hospital. Please do not believe unverified information. Updates will be provided to the public.”

President Erdoğan: “Connections Are Being Investigated”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also released a statement, extending condolences to the families of the slain officers and emphasizing that the suspect’s possible connections are being examined.

“As a result of this heinous armed attack, two of our police officers were martyred and two were injured. I extend my condolences to the families of our Chief Police Inspector Muhsin Aydemir and Police Officer Hasan Akın, and wish a swift recovery to Officers Ömer Amila and Murat Dağlı. The perpetrator, a 16-year-old, has been captured and his connections are under investigation. My condolences to our entire police force.”

National Shock and Ongoing Probe

The attack has sent shockwaves through Turkey, raising questions about security procedures, access to firearms, and the mental state of the assailant. With prosecutors, police, and intelligence officials now involved, the investigation will examine whether the teenager acted alone or under influence.

For now, the incident stands as one of the most alarming assaults on police forces in recent years, underscoring both the risks faced by security personnel and the growing urgency of addressing youth violence and weapon access in Turkey.