Gunman kills 8, including children, at busy Egypt transport hub

Grief engulfed the city of Abnub in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt, after a horrific massacre was carried out by a mentally ill man who opened fire indiscriminately with an automatic rifle on passersby. The attack caused widespread panic and left eight people dead, including children, while seven others were injured before the gunman fled and was later pursued by police.

Children among the victims

According to Egyptian media reports, police received an urgent alert that an unidentified man driving a Jeep was firing randomly at pedestrians near the Abnub bus station in Assiut. The shooting resulted in eight deaths and seven injuries, including several children.

Eyewitnesses captured the horrific incident in videos circulated on social media, showing bodies lying on the ground and scenes of panic as the gunman reloaded his weapon and continued firing before escaping.

Gunman killed in police confrontation

Security forces, detectives, and ambulances rushed to the scene and established a security cordon around the area. Police quickly launched a manhunt after identifying the suspect. Investigations revealed that he had hidden in a nearby farmland area.

Security forces surrounded the suspect, who opened fire on officers, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that ultimately resulted in the attacker’s death.

Attacker identified

Witnesses identified the suspect as Atef Kh., 48, who was reportedly driving a Jeep when he collided with a motorcycle, injuring the rider.

According to witnesses, the suspect attempted to flee the scene but, after realizing he was surrounded by security cameras, retrieved a rifle from his vehicle and began firing indiscriminately at passersby.

Suspect reportedly suffered from mental illness

Police investigations later revealed that the attacker had been suffering from mental illness and had been receiving treatment at a psychiatric hospital in Cairo.

The bodies of the victims and the injured were transferred to nearby hospitals under the supervision of the Public Prosecution. Security authorities have intensified investigations to determine the full circumstances of the attack and recover the weapon used. Legal procedures have been initiated, and the Public Prosecution has taken over the investigation.