An 18-year-old teenager was arrested by Turkish police for stabbing at least five people at a mosque in the city of Eskisehir. The Minister of the Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, mentioned that an investigation has been initiated, but did not provide details on the motive behind the attack. Local media speculates that the attack may have been influenced by a video game.
The attacker, identified as Arda K, streamed the live attack on X. He was wearing a helmet, bulletproof vest, goggles, and a mask, completely concealing his face. Reports mention that he had a “black sun,” a Nazi symbol, on his chest. Additionally, he carried an axe at his waist, although he did not use it during the attack.
The incident took place at the tea garden of a mosque, and the assailant was apprehended after a police chase. Five wounded individuals were hospitalized, with two of them in serious condition. Some news outlets reported that seven people were injured in the attack.
The teenager did not shout or provide any motivation for his actions during the attack. Reports suggest that his appearance indicated he may have been influenced by war games. This incident is part of a series of random knife attacks that Turkey has experienced in recent months.
In a similar event last month, a man stabbed two people to death in the Bingol province, injuring seven others. In January, another man was arrested for attacking the imam and a member of the congregation at the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul.
The situation is alarming and highlights the need for increased security measures to prevent such attacks in the future. Authorities are working to understand the motives behind these incidents and to ensure the safety of citizens attending places of worship.