Armed attack at Birleşik Metal-İş: Branch president kills secretary

An armed attack occurred at the Birleşik Metal Union building in Ankara. Around 15:30, the union's Ankara Branch President, Deniz Ilgaz, carried out an armed attack on Branch Secretary Erdinç Koç.

While Erdinç Koç lost his life in the incident, the perpetrator, Deniz Ilgaz, subsequently took his own life.

Following the attack, numerous police and medical teams were dispatched to the scene, and the street where the union building is located was cordoned off. An investigation into the incident has been launched.

POLICE AND MEDICAL TEAMS DISPATCHED TO THE AREA

According to allegations, an argument broke out for reasons yet to be determined between Birleşik Metal-İş Union Anadolu Branch President Deniz Ilgan and Branch Secretary Erdinç Koç in the Çankaya district.

In the incident, which escalated into a fight, Ilgan shot Koç with a handgun he was carrying.

Ilgan later attempted suicide with his handgun.

Upon notification, numerous police and medical teams were dispatched to the scene.

Medical teams determined that Koç had died at the scene, while the severely injured Ilgan was taken to the hospital.

Our pain is immense; unfortunately, a tragic and painful incident occurred today at our Union's Anadolu Branch in Ankara. Our Union's Branch Secretary, Erdinç Koç, has passed away after being shot. Branch President Deniz Ilgan has been taken to the intensive care unit at Gazi Hospital in critical condition due to a suspected suicide attempt…

— ÖZKAN ATAR (@OzkanAtarr) February 17, 2025

STATEMENT FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT OF BİRLEŞİK METAL-İŞ

Following the incident, a statement was issued by Birleşik Metal-İş General President Özkan Atar.

Sharing a post on his X account, Atar said, "Our pain is immense; unfortunately, a tragic and painful incident occurred today at our Union's Anadolu Branch in Ankara. Our Union's Branch Secretary, Erdinç Koç, has passed away after being shot. Branch President Deniz Ilgan has been taken to the intensive care unit at Gazi Hospital in critical condition due to a suspected suicide attempt. Necessary and detailed information will be provided to the public following the prosecutor's investigation."

News Source : İHA