Gunman Kills 6 and Himself at Jehovah’s Witnesses Hall in Germany
A deadly mass shooting occurred at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Hamburg, Germany, leaving six people dead, including an unborn child, and eight others wounded, four of them seriously.
The suspected gunman, identified as 35-year-old Philip F, was a former member of the congregation and acted alone before turning the weapon on himself when police stormed the building.
Authorities are still searching for a motive, and investigators are looking into the suspect’s laptop and mobile devices.
The man was previously investigated after authorities received a tip that he might not be suitable to bear firearms, but he was ultimately cleared.
He legally purchased the semi-automatic pistol used in the shooting in December.
The Hamburg community is in shock, and the Interior Minister has called it the worst crime in the recent history of the city.
Police arrived within minutes of the first emergency call and were able to separate the gunman from others.
Top officials credited the swift response for saving many lives, and they praised the Hamburg police for reacting with speed and incredible bravery, bringing people to safety.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses issued a statement expressing their shock and sadness, saying that attacks on places of worship, by definition, places of peace, are truly shocking.
The investigation continues as police search for a motive.
The suspected gunman has no criminal record and no terrorist background.
