On August 12, 2024, a shocking incident unfolded in Eskişehir, Turkey, when an 18-year-old man named Arda K. attacked five people with a knife in a tea garden near the Tepebaşı Mosque. The assailant, wearing a mask, helmet, and bulletproof vest, allegedly live-streamed the attack on social media using a camera attached to his vest.According to the Eskişehir governor’s office, two of the victims are in critical condition. The attacker was apprehended by police after a brief chase. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that prosecutors have launched an investigation into the incident.In a disturbing development, it was revealed that Arda K. had published a 16-page manifesto on Telegram prior to the attack. In this document, he referred to people as ‘insects’ and expressed a desire to ‘cleanse’ society. The manifesto also included plans to target a TKP building. Social media posts attributed to the attacker showed him holding two knives and a hatchet, with one knife bearing a swastika symbol.Turkish authorities, including Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, have suggested that the attacker may have been influenced by violent video games. However, it’s important to note that this claim has not been independently verified.The incident has sparked concerns about digital addiction and its impact on young people. Minister Göktaş stated that the government is committed to combating digital addiction.As of August 13, 2024, Arda K. has been taken to the courthouse under heavy security. When questioned by police, he reportedly said, ‘I don’t know why I did it’.A publication ban has been imposed on the case by the Eskişehir Public Prosecutor’s Office, limiting further details from being released to the public.
Key points
- 18-year-old Arda K.
- The attacker published a disturbing manifesto on Telegram before the incident, expressing desires to ‘cleanse’ society.
- Turkish authorities suggest the attacker may have been influenced by violent video games, sparking concerns about digital addiction.
- A publication ban has been imposed on the case by the Eskişehir Public Prosecutor’s Office.
attacked five people with a knife in Eskişehir, Turkey, leaving two in critical condition.
Contradictions👾While some sources report that the attack took place in a tea garden, others describe it as an open-air cafe.
This minor discrepancy doesn’t significantly affect the core details of the incident.
👾There are varying reports about the weapons used.
Some sources mention only a knife, while others include an axe or hatchet.
This could be due to evolving information as the investigation progressed.
