Four killed in armed dispute at university hospital in Turkey’s capital

A technician, identified as Enver T. attacked pharmacists İlknur Yüce, Hikmet Türk, Gürsu Ulaşan and Özler Kiriş in the pharmacy of the hospital’s physiotherapy department, after Enver T. was accused of theft. 

As the quarrel escalated, Enver T. drew and fired his licensed gun, killing the pharmacists at around 10.40 a.m. Yüce, Ulaşan and Kiriş died at the scene while Türk, who sustained severe injuries to his head and abdomen, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. 

The Ankara Governor’s Office has stated that Enver T. was caught with his gun, adding that police and judicial institutions have been investigating the attack.

“The perpetrator of the incident, Enver T., has been caught with his gun. An extensive investigation into the attack is being carried out by the legal authorities and the police,” the office said in a statement.

During his initial testimony, Enver T. reportedly said he was accused of theft by personnel.

Ankara University Rector Erkan İbiş also said the incident was neither a political nor a terrorist attack. 

“A sad incident happened at our university’s Faculty of Medicine Cebeci Hospital. Four of our pharmacists have lost their lives. This incident is not linked to politics or terror,” İbiş added.

He stated that there were disagreements between pharmacy personnel “which could happen anywhere,” adding that the dean’s office was investigating the incident.