ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Gunmen who shot Kurdish TikTok influencer Metin Acar in the German city of Gelsenkirchen remain at large, despite police saying they are actively pursuing the attackers.
Acar, 51, who owns a snack bar, was shot on December 21. The assailants - whose exact number has not yet been confirmed - shot him three times in the leg.
The shooting allegedly followed repeated insults Acar had made toward Turkish mafia figure Sedat Peker during his livestreams.
Originally from the southeastern Kurdish city of Mardin in Turkey, Acar is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital. According to his followers, who spoke to Rudaw’s Diaspora program, he is in stable condition.
Followers say the motive behind the attack was Acar’s repeated verbal attacks on Peker, which he continued despite receiving threats. Peker, who fled Turkey, is currently believed to be residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On the day of the shooting, which took place in front of a donor shop, Acar once again criticized Peker during a livestream. Some viewers warned him not to speak about the mafia figure in that manner, cautioning that he could face consequences. Acar reportedly responded, “I live in Germany, you can’t do anything to me.” Shortly afterward, the shooting occurred.
Despite being wounded, Acar continued the live broadcast, updating viewers on his condition.
In his social media videos, Acar frequently appears cooking, eating - particularly vegetables - and socializing, often featuring European women.
Following the incident, the Aachen public prosecutor’s office said the attacker or attackers fled to an unknown location and remain at large.
Authorities have launched an investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible and determine the full motive behind the attack.