Five people were killed and several others injured Monday after shots were fired near a youth facility in Stade, a northern German city west of Hamburg, police said, as officers launched a large-scale security operation outside the town centre.
Suspected Gunman Arrested In Stade Shooting
A police spokesperson told AFP the suspected gunman and a second alleged perpetrator were arrested following the mass shooting. Authorities said the violence happened near a youth welfare facility, prompting police to urge residents and bystanders to stay away from the area.
“We ask you to leave the area and give it a wide berth for your own safety,” police said in a post on X.
Police Confirm Multiple Victims At Youth Welfare Facility
“Homicides involving multiple victims occurred at a youth welfare facility. Five people were fatally injured and additional individuals sustained injuries,” AFP quoted the city police as saying.
Stade has a population of about 50,000 people and sits west of Hamburg. Police have not released further details on the victims, the suspects or a possible motive.
Germany Gun Laws And Mass Shooting Context
Germany has stricter gun laws than the United States, and mass shootings occur less often. Anyone under 25 must pass a psychiatric exam before applying for a gun licence.
One of Germany’s most recent mass shootings happened in March 2023, when a disgruntled former Jehovah’s Witness member killed six people from the Christian group’s congregation in Hamburg before turning the gun on himself.
Police are expected to provide more details as the investigation into the Stade shooting continues.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
