JEDDAH: The teacher who gunned down seven education officials in Al-Dair governorate on Thursday had been showing behavioral problems in recent days, Al-Janob Misfer Al-Subhan, director of King Faisal Secondary School in Dharan, was quoted as saying by local media on Friday.

“Abdullah Al-Malki was teaching Islamic Education. He didn’t like mixing with his colleagues. He was committed to his work and was outstanding in scientific subjects. However, he had started crying when he faced problems even with his students,” Al-Sabhan said.

“In recent days, he was angry and suddenly left the school’s WhatsApp group. His friends were surprised by his weird behavior. He had normal relations with teachers and education officials in the region.”

The seven victims, all employees of the education office, have been identified as Hassan Mousa Al-Malki, Hassan Mohammed Al-Malki, Hussain Sulaiman Al-Malki, Hassan Mohammed Al-Malki, Sultan Jabbar Al-Malki, Mohammed Jabran Al-Malki and Abdullah Al-Johali.