Father and five children found shot dead in car in Libya

A horrific crime shook Libya on Tuesday evening after a father and his five children were found shot dead inside a car on their way to school – an incident whose details remain unclear amid conflicting reports about whether it was an execution or a murder-suicide.

1news.media informs, citing Al Arabiya, the tragedy occurred in the eastern city of Benghazi, where a graphic video widely circulated on social media showed the moment the victims were discovered inside a parked vehicle in the Talhiya–Hawari area.

The children were still wearing their school uniforms and carrying their backpacks. Preliminary investigations indicated they had been shot at close range, and a pistol was reportedly found in the father’s hand.

Details of the crime remain unclear as some believe the family was deliberately targeted, while others suggest the father may have killed his children before taking his own life. So far, authorities have issued no official statements confirming or denying either theory.

The disturbing scenes sparked outrage across Libya, with many calling for a full investigation to uncover the truth behind the killings. Activist Esraa al-Maghrabi said the crime cannot be ignored, warning that it spreads fear and instability. She dismissed the possibility of suicide and urged security forces to act swiftly to uncover the circumstances and bring those responsible to justice.

One social media user wrote, “An unbearable scene… children in school uniforms murdered in cold blood, and yet no authority has acted.”

He added that mysterious crimes that go unpunished have become increasingly common, demanding that law enforcement step in to enforce justice and accountability.

In response, Prime Minister Osama Hammad, appointed by Libya’s parliament, issued a statement instructing the country’s security and judicial authorities to take all necessary measures to uncover the facts, determine the motives, and announce the results to the public. He emphasized that the case must be handled according to the law to ensure justice and prevent such tragedies from happening again.