Four clerics killed in eastern Turkey in armed attack amid imams' debate

ERZİNCAN

Exterior view of the Saltukid caravanserai, a 12th century complex of buildings built by Saltukid female ruler Melike Mama Hatun in Tercan, Erzincan. File photo: İsa Özdere / Alamy Stock Photo

Four clerics have been killed after an argument between imams at a town hall ended with an armed assault in eastern Turkey in which the assailant also died after committing suicide.

Demirören News Agency reported that the local administration of the Erzincan province’s Tercan district convened for an ordinary monthly meeting on Aug. 17. 

An employee of the mufti’s office, identified only as Fatih A., stormed the meeting with a gun amid a heated debate over his request for annual leave.

Imam Rasim Kılıç and preacher Ersin Kağan died on the scene, while four imams who were wounded were hospitalized.

Police nabbed the assailant after he committed suicide with the same gun.

Death toll rose to five on Aug. 18 when two more imams, as well as the assailant, succumbed to their injuries.

Erzincan Deputy Governor Musa Baştürk told the agency the gunman had “psychological problems” and two imams he had wounded were still in critical condition.