Assailant disguised as woman ambushed retired police officer outside mosque in Turkey

A retired police officer was critically injured after being shot multiple times outside a mosque in Gaziantep's Şahinbey district. The attack occurred on August 7 as the victim, 68-year-old Ökkeş Koyuncu, was entering the İbni Sina Mosque for Friday prayers.

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The incident stems from a land dispute that occurred 5 years ago. My father's righteousness in the land issue was proven by the court. Despite this, he never wanted the land and did not negotiate with the other party.

The assailant, identified as İlhan T., allegedly wore a black çarşaf (a full-body veil) to disguise himself as a woman. He reportedly followed Koyuncu into the mosque and then opened fire as the retired officer exited. Seven shots were fired, and Koyuncu sustained three gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

According to the victim's daughter, Pınar Güneş, the motive stems from a land dispute that has been ongoing for approximately five years. She stated that the court had ruled in her father's favor regarding the land issue, but the other party remained unwilling to resolve the matter. Güneş expressed confusion over the intensity of the feud, stating they did not know the assailant personally.

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The perpetrator came disguised in a black çarşaf, in women's clothing, to carry out the attack. My father is currently in intensive care and his life is still in danger.

Following the attack, İlhan T. fled the scene by entering a taxi while still wearing the çarşaf. His escape and subsequent arrest were captured on the taxi's interior camera. He was apprehended shortly after leaving the taxi and has since been arrested and sent to prison. Güneş appealed for justice, emphasizing her father's non-violent teachings and her family's trust in the state's protection.

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We want justice to be served by the law. My father never advocated violence to us. He never told us to fight or resort to violence. When an incident occurred, my father, being a retired police officer, told us that the state was always behind us. We want to know that the state is behind us.