Breaking News: First statement from Özgür Özel after being attacked! 'I hold no anger or resentment toward anyone'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel attended the ceremony held at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) for DEM Party Istanbul Deputy and Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away.

An attack was carried out against Özel as he was leaving the ceremony. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced that the perpetrator, Selçuk Tengioğlu, has been taken into custody.

The CHP leader, who visited the family of the late artist Yavuz Top, made a press statement following the attack.

Özel's statement is as follows:

"Some people paved the way for this attack because they did not want these things to be discussed. We have been receiving threats for some time. This attack must not overshadow the passing of Sırrı Süreyya Önder. I called my wife, my mother, and my daughter to tell them I am continuing. We are continuing with our program.

There have been assassination attempts against the chairmen of this party. They happened to Atatürk, İnönü, Ecevit, and Kılıçdaroğlu. When you aspire to this duty, you accept these risks.

They called and condemned this attack. I see this as an attack on the political institution. Regardless of what comes out of it, we are obligated to embrace civil politics and work together. The sharpening of polarization benefits no one. I hold no anger or resentment toward anyone. If threats and attacks were to intimidate us, we would not be the chairman of the party that founded the Republic by risking death."

Our Chairman Özgür Özel is making a press statement following his condolence visit to the family of artist Yavuz Top. https://t.co/nvjMm9ka5D

— CHP ???? (@herkesicinCHP) May 4, 2025