Six dead in shooting at youth center in Germany
An armed confrontation at a youth welfare center in Stade, northern Germany, left six people dead on Monday. Authorities are investigating a possible custody dispute as the trigger. The alleged attacker was arrested.
Five people – four women and one man – lost their lives at the scene, police reported. A sixth victim, also an adult, later died at a hospital. All six were employees of the youth center or affiliated entities.
“The police are investigating the motive and the exact course of events under high pressure,” said Daniela Behrens, Minister of the Interior of Lower Saxony, at a press conference. He described the incident as an extremely violent crime, “apparently in a custody dispute.”
The shooting occurred on Dankerstrasse street, south of the center of Stade. The site includes temporary accommodation for pregnant women or young mothers with children. Several people were injured, some seriously, although the number or identities were not specified.
Detention and police measures
Authorities detained a main suspect; Two other people are under investigation for possible involvement. The police did not provide further details. Video footage showed a large police and ambulance deployment on a residential street.
Germany has more restrictive gun laws than the United States, and mass shootings are rare, although they do occur. Vitali Mertens, a resident across the street from the center, said he heard gunshots and the entire area was immediately cordoned off.
Stade, with about 50,000 inhabitants, is located 40 kilometers from Hamburg.
