An armed incident occurred in Istanbul that left a person injured, according to official statements. The Turkish Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, shared the update through X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, clarifying the gravity of the event and the ongoing response by security forces. The incident has drawn swift attention from residents and national authorities as they work to piece together the sequence of events and ensure public safety in the city.
Initial details indicate the attack occurred on a Saturday in the late afternoon, approximately around 4:30 p.m., within the context of an election campaign event. The target was an event tied to Aziz Yenia, who represents a candidate aligned with the People’s Alliance led by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Evidence at the scene, including chants and the timing, suggested a deliberate and coordinated assault. Law enforcement agencies launched immediate investigations to determine the motive, identify the perpetrators, and assess whether the attack was linked to broader political tensions or security vulnerabilities surrounding campaign activities.
Yerlikaya stated that a comprehensive, large-scale investigation has been initiated to uncover all facets of the incident. Investigators are reviewing security footage, examining eyewitness accounts, and coordinating with local police, prosecutors, and forensic teams to reconstruct the timeline and secure additional evidence. The goal is to provide a clear public account of what transpired and to prevent any recurrence as the country approaches further political events.
The injured individual, a 22-year-old Turkish citizen, was transported to a hospital for urgent medical care. Witness reports from the scene described the shock and confusion as shots rang out, followed by a rapid rush of bystanders to seek safety. Medical staff are monitoring the patient’s condition, and officials have indicated that the situation remains critical, underscoring the seriousness of the injuries and the need for continuous medical evaluation. The public is urged to follow official briefings for updates on the patient’s health status and the overall security situation in the city.
Earlier in the week, another security-related incident drew attention in Istanbul when a pair of assailants attacked several people in front of the Çağlayan Courthouse. Officials reported that six individuals, including three police officers, sustained injuries as a result of gunfire. The attackers were reportedly neutralized on the scene, and authorities launched a separate line of inquiry to determine whether this event was connected to political or criminal motives, or if it reflected broader security vulnerabilities in central Istanbul. Officials have emphasized that public safety remains the fundamental priority and that law enforcement remains vigilant across key civic sites.
Additionally, authorities referenced a separate incident in Bodrum, a popular holiday resort, where tensions or violent acts had been noted in the past. While details from that event were not elaborated in the latest updates, officials indicated that Turkey continues to monitor security circumstances nationwide, particularly during periods of heightened political activity and seasonal travel, which can influence crowd dynamics and risk levels at crowded venues. Public channels have urged calm and adherence to official guidance as investigations proceed and the authorities work to restore normalcy to affected neighborhoods.