Police in Germany have confirmed a sixth death following a mass shooting at a youth welfare facility in Stade, a town near Hamburg. The facility also housed pregnant women and mothers with children, according to reports.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred at the facility on Dankersstrasse, a street south of Stade's town center. Five people—four women and one man—died at the scene, while a sixth adult later succumbed to injuries at a hospital. Several others were wounded, some seriously, according to the German news agency dpa, though police did not provide a specific number or victim identities.
Police stated that the facility serves as temporary accommodation for pregnant women or young mothers with children. No motive has been established yet.
Suspects and Police Response
A main suspect has been arrested, and two other individuals are subject to police measures on suspicion of involvement, authorities said in a statement. They did not elaborate on the measures. Video footage showed a large police presence, emergency services, and ambulances on the residential street.
Vitali Mertens, a resident living across from the scene, reported hearing gunshots and seeing the area cordoned off immediately.
Official Statements
In a statement, the police said: "According to the current state of the investigation, a homicide occurred at a youth care facility on Dankersstraße, resulting in multiple victims. Five people were fatally injured, and others sustained injuries. As part of the immediate search and police operation, two suspected perpetrators, including the alleged shooter, were arrested. The investigation into the background and the exact sequence of events is ongoing."
Police also warned against misinformation on social media, stating: "The circulating accounts do not correspond to the current state of affairs confirmed by the police. Please do not forward unverified reports, voice messages or rumours. This can cause uncertainty and hinder police action."
Context
Stade has about 50,000 inhabitants and is located approximately 25 miles from Hamburg. Germany's gun laws are more restrictive than those in the United States, and mass shootings are rare but not unheard of.
