Conspiracy theory turns deadly: Patient stabs doctor for ‘implanting AI’ in Türkiye

A brain surgeon in Nigde suffered four stab wounds when his former patient accused him of implanting artificial intelligence in his brain.

The suspect, 62-year-old Tufan Saracoglu, attacked Dr. Burak Yuruk at Omer Halisdemir University Training and Research Hospital. Security personnel intervened, and police arrested Saracoglu shortly after.

Former patient stabs doctor in Turkish hospital

The attack happened in the hospital’s neurosurgery department during the afternoon. Saracoglu, who had undergone brain tumor surgery performed by Dr. Yuruk seven months earlier, arrived at the hospital unannounced. Yuruk explained, “He came into my office suddenly and said, ‘This is pointless, give me back my possession.’ Then, he attacked me.”

Saracoglu stabbed the doctor in the head and other parts of his body. Security guards stopped him before he could do further harm. Police arrived and took him into custody while Yuruk received medical treatment. His condition was stable, and he was later discharged from the hospital.

Attacker claims ‘doctor implanted AI in my brain’

As police escorted him to court, Saracoglu told journalists, “He won’t admit his crime. He implanted artificial intelligence in my brain. His devices are in my head.” The court ordered his arrest, and he remains in custody.

Yuruk later shared details of the attack, saying he had operated on Saracoglu seven months earlier. “He would come in for check-ups at intervals after the surgery. Later, I learned that he had a history of drug use and that he had gone missing from his home and hospital multiple times. I believe he had been following me before the attack,” Yuruk said.

The doctor also described the attacker’s accusations, saying, “He went to the police station after stabbing me and said, ‘He implanted a chip in my brain and is controlling me with AI.’ He connected his brain tumor surgery to having a chip inserted and linked it to artificial intelligence.”

Rising violence against healthcare workers raises concerns in Türkiye

Yuruk condemned the attack and called attention to the dangers healthcare workers face. “We are here to heal people, but incidents like this make it harder to do our jobs,” he said.

“Healthcare workers put in incredible effort day and night. Violence against us is not just an individual problem. It is a problem for society, and everyone must take responsibility to stop it.”

The attack has brought renewed attention to violence against medical professionals in Türkiye. Many doctors and health organizations have expressed concern, urging stronger protections and preventative measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.