Photo: Matthias Schrader/AP
Munich was the scene of a tense and dramatic incident on Thursday morning when a man armed with a long rifle opened fire on police officers outside the Nazi Documentation Center. This center, located in the heart of the city, has long been the object of increased attention, but today it became the epicenter of tragedy. According to BILD, the shooting took place around 9:10 am.
Fire and police response
The shooting began in the area of Brynnerstrasse and Karolinenplatz, near the Consulate General of Israel. Munich police said the attacker, armed with a long rifle, opened fire on police officers who were guarding the area. The police returned fire and the suspect was fatally wounded. He died of his injuries on the spot.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed that the attacker fired several shots before police could react. There are currently no indications of any other suspects in this incident.
Reaction and scope of the operation
After the shooting, the area around Karolinenplatz and Brynnerstrasse was cordoned off by police. A helicopter is patrolling the air, and investigators have urged citizens to avoid the area. In connection with the incident, a special “hotline” for citizens was activated, and emergency numbers continue to operate for emergency situations.
Benedikt Franke, deputy chairman and chief executive of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), which is located next to the Nazi Documentation Center, told BILD that his office was also surrounded by police. “At 9:10 a.m., there was a sudden loud bang. At least a dozen shots were heard. Our employees are in lockdown,” said Franke.
Connection with the anniversary of the Olympic attack
The incident occurred on the anniversary of the 1972 Olympic attack, when Palestinian terrorists killed eleven Israeli athletes in Munich. Due to this date, diplomats and staff from the nearby Israeli consulate were not in the office, which probably prevented an even greater tragedy.
Assessment of the situation
The incident in Munich caused serious concern and showed the need for increased readiness of law enforcement agencies for potential threats. The authorities continue the investigation and provide the necessary assistance to the victims and witnesses of the event. The operation in the area is ongoing and police have urged the public to exercise caution and monitor updates from official sources.
