Denial from Menemen Mayor Pehlivan regarding armed attack claims

Menemen Mayor Aydın Pehlivan firmly denied social media and public claims that an armed attack was attempted against him. Stating that the incident was merely a brief disagreement, Pehlivan expressed that the situation was exaggerated and distorted over time. Emphasizing that there was no attack or act of violence, the mayor warned the public about misleading information. He added that he thanked all citizens who called him to convey their get-well wishes following the incident. The official stated that such unfounded rumors should not be given credence and that they would continue their work with the same determination.

Touching upon the background of the incident, Aydın Pehlivan stated that he attended a charity event held at Cumhuriyet Meydanı due to the death anniversary of the late former Mayor Tahir Şahin. He noted that the brief activity that occurred after the end of the program was carried to a completely different dimension over time and unfortunately spread as news of an armed attack. Pehlivan stated that such speculative news causes unnecessary concern for both himself and the people of Menemen. Without addressing whether there was any malicious intent behind the unrealistic exaggeration of the incident, he emphasized that he only wanted the truth to be known. The official added that he felt the need to make a transparent statement in order to alleviate public concerns.

When the details of the incident are examined, it becomes clear that an unexpected communication attempt was actually exaggerated. According to Pehlivan's statement, while the door of his vehicle was open, a person entered without permission and wanted to speak with him. Although this situation caused brief physical movement and a minor tension between them, it did not reach the level of a threat or an attack. However, this ordinary incident was distorted in various media outlets and promoted as a serious assassination attempt on the mayor's life. Pehlivan stated that such misinformation causes unnecessary panic in society and distracts attention from the public services that should be the main focus. He reiterated that the incident was non-violent and merely an unauthorized approach.

In his call to the public and the press, the Mayor asked that rumors of doubtful accuracy and unfounded claims not be given credence. Drawing attention to the fact that gossip news spreading rapidly especially on social media could disrupt social peace, Pehlivan emphasized the need to be careful in sharing information. The mayor, who also stated that he and his family were negatively affected by such unfounded news, expressed his confidence in the common sense of the public. He added that the works carried out for the development of Menemen and the welfare of the public would not be allowed to be affected by such incidents. Furthermore, he stated that local media and citizens need to act more sensitively about not spreading unverified information.

Offering his thanks to the citizens who conveyed their get-well wishes, Pehlivan stated that he was happy with the interest and attention shown. Stating that the trust and support of the people of Menemen make him feel they are always by his side, the mayor said he would continue his work without interruption with this strength. He emphasized that he would continue to work with all his might to meet the needs and solve the problems of the city during his term of office. Not wanting such negative agendas to overshadow the investments made for the future of the city, Pehlivan called on the public to focus their agenda on the real issues. Finally, he concluded his statement by stating that the public must remain vigilant against any provocation that would harm the unity and solidarity of Menemen.