Mersin massacre – Gunman kills at least six in southern Turkey shooting spree

Multiple Victims Killed Across Locations

A gunman opened fire at several locations in southern Turkey on Monday, killing at least six people and wounding eight others, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

CCTV footage shows the attacker firing towards a man at a local restaurant near Tarsus, around 40 kilometres northeast of Mersin. The victim is seen taking cover behind an ice cream freezer as the gunman pulls away from the scene.

Residents Gather Outside Medical Centre

The video also shows bodies and wounded victims arriving at a hospital, as residents gathered outside.

Turkish state media identified the suspect as 37-year-old Metin O. Authorities said he first shot and killed his former wife in the street before driving to Tarsus and opening fire at a restaurant, killing the owner and an employee.

Authorities Investigate Series Of Attacks

He is also suspected of later killing a teenager, a 50-year-old man and another person in a separate neighbourhood.

Turkish media said the attack triggered a large-scale manhunt involving police units, helicopters and drones. The motive remains unclear.

Concerns Grow Over Gun Violence

The incident came a month after two separate school shooting attacks in southern Turkey, one of which injured 16 people, while another left 10 dead, raising concerns over gun violence in the country.