Childhood friend shot in Istanbul argument; suspect claims he fired to scare victim

A dispute between childhood friends in Istanbul's Kağıthane district escalated into a shooting incident, resulting in the arrest of a 22-year-old man. The suspect, identified as Muhammed Can D., allegedly shot his friend, Davut E., 24, in the leg during an argument on September 10, 2025.

According to reports, the altercation began when Davut E. confronted Muhammed Can D. while he was talking to an older acquaintance. Davut E. reportedly questioned Muhammed Can D.'s manhood and made remarks about the older man's phone calls. The argument then turned physical, with the two friends engaging in a fistfight.

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You are not a man, Metin abi will not answer your calls.

Muhammed Can D. stated that he later received a call from another friend who warned him that Davut E. was wearing a bulletproof vest and was looking for him with a gun. Fearing for his safety, Muhammed Can D. admitted to firing his own weapon, claiming his intention was only to "scare" Davut E. However, security camera footage of the incident shows the shooting occurring in the middle of the street amidst traffic.

Davut E. was taken to Seyrantepe Hamidiye Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Police apprehended Muhammed Can D., who was subsequently remanded in custody by the court on charges of intentional injury. Records indicate Davut E. has a criminal history including drug offenses, weapons violations, and assault.

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Seeing him, I thought he would harm me, so I fired the gun I had on me to scare him.