Thousands gathered to bid farewell to DEM Party MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who died after an 18-day health battle. The day's narrative shifted dramatically when CHP leader Özgür Özel was punched after attending Önder's memorial at Istanbul's AKM cultural center. The attacker was identified as Selçuk Tengioğlu, who had previous criminal convictions. The incident prompted widespread condemnation, including from President Erdoğan who called Özel to express good wishes.
Justice Minister Tunç addressed questions about how Tengioğlu had been released from prison despite serious charges. Meanwhile, MHP leader Bahçeli issued a carefully worded statement calling the attack "thought-provoking and chilling."
By evening, the CHP called supporters to gather at party headquarters at 9 PM in solidarity with Özel, while authorities announced an investigation into provocative social media posts about the attack.