Bloody attack in Stade: Six dead in shooting at women's and children's protection centre
In the northern German city of Stade, six people have been killed in a gun attack at a protection facility for mothers and children. Police have arrested the suspected perpetrator.
Bloody attack in Stade: Six dead in shooting at women's and children's protection centre
Six people have been killed in a gun attack at a facility for mothers and children in the northern German city of Stade. The victims were four women and two men, all of whom were staff members at the facility.
The incident occurred at a so-called "Safe House" facility that provides protection for women and their children. A 45-year-old man apparently had a scheduled appointment there. Shortly after his arrival, he opened fire on those present.
Investigators initially treated it as a "family tragedy". According to initial findings by the authorities, a custody dispute over the attacker's three-month-old child may have been the trigger for the act. The baby and the child's mother remained unharmed and are in safe keeping.
Police arrested the suspected shooter. A further woman was also taken into custody, who may have driven the getaway car. She is said to be related to or known by the perpetrator.
Stade is located west of Hamburg and has approximately 50,000 inhabitants. Police initially urged residents to avoid the city centre, but later gave the all-clear.
Germany has one of the strictest gun laws in Europe. Nevertheless, fatal gun attacks continue to occur. In February 2020, a right-wing extremist killed nine people in Hanau. In March 2023, a former Jehovah's Witness member shot six people from that community and himself in Hamburg.
Source: RTVSLO
Source: RTV SLO