Nine people were killed in Munich, Germany, on Friday, after a lone gunman, who was an 18-year-old German of Iranian descent, opened fire at a shopping complex. In what police described as an “acute terror situation”, authorities believe it was aimed at causing fear in the country. Many of the victims were children.
In a press conference, Munich police maintained that the motive of the gunman is “fully unknown”. No ground has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Over 20 people have been wounded, many in critical condition. Police have declared a state of emergency in the city. Public transport has stopped. All residents have been urged to remain indoors.
A campaign was launched on social media under the #offenetur meaning ‘open doors’; residents are offering their homes to those who are stranded on the streets.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will chair a high-level meet today to take stock of the situation.
French President François Hollande put out a statement in the wake of the attacks. “The terrorist attack that struck Munich killing many people is a disgusting act that aims to foment fear in Germany after other European countries,” he said, “Germany will resist, it can count on France’s friendship and cooperation.”
The White House has put up a statement condemning the attack “in the strongest terms”. It described it as an “apparent terrorist attack”
Flags at half mast for #Munich. Still waiting for a clearer picture of the entire situation. pic.twitter.com/3uQXjmm8QO
— German Embassy (@GermanyinUSA) July 22, 2016
Flags at half mast outside our mission. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families tonight. #Munich. pic.twitter.com/J1bgKNB7QJ
— German Mission to UN (@GermanyUN) July 22, 2016
Indian leaders have come to condemn the attacks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “We are appalled by the horrific incident in Munich. Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of the deceased & those injured.”
We are appalled by the horrific incident in Munich. Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of the deceased & those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2016
Rahul Gandhi also said, “Shocked & saddened by the attack in Munich. Prayers for the families who lost loved ones to this senseless violence.”
Shocked & saddened by the attack in Munich. Prayers for the families who lost loved ones to this senseless violence
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 23, 2016
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj confirmed that there are no Indian casualties.
I have spoken to @AmbGurjitSingh our Ambassador in Germany. He has informed me that there is no Indian casualty in the #Munichattack.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 23, 2016