Germany church shooting leaves at least 7 killed, several wounded
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The shooting occurred at about 9:00 PM local time near a Jehovah's Witnesses center in the area.
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Armed police officers near the scene of a shooting in Hamburg, Germany on Thursday, March 9, 2023, after one or more people, opened fire in a church. The Hamburg city government says the shooting took place in the Gross Borstel district on Thursday evening. ( AP)
An investigation was launched after a shooting in Hamburg's Gros Borstel district killed seven people and injured many more during a religious event organized by Jehovah's Witnesses, German media reported on Thursday.
The shooting occurred at around 9:00 PM local time near a Jehovah's Witnesses center in the area. Residents living nearby said they heard at least 25 shots being fired.
About 30 people were shot in the church of #Jehovah's Witnesses* in #Hamburg, #Germany. 7 people died, at least 24 were injured, 7 of them in critical condition.
— Arthur Morgan (@ArthurM40330824) March 10, 2023
German law enforcement officials said it was a "mass murder motivated by possession." They are looking for criminals. pic.twitter.com/TdQem7fXoa
Residents were asked to remain indoors while a large-scale investigation into the shooting's causes was initiated.
Police spokesman Holger Vehren confirmed that multiple individuals sustained injuries in the shooting, yet the severity of the injuries is still uncertain.
He did not comment on the death toll reported by local sources but did confirm that there was no indication of a shooter being on the run, noting that they may either still be in the building or dead.
An updated statement, which was later issued by the police, said that a deceased person was found on an upper floor in the same facility.
JUST IN - At least 7 dead, many injured after a shooting at a Jehovah's Witness center in Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪
— ePearce (@ErikaPearce17) March 9, 2023
UPDATE - Gunman believed to be among the dead, police say. pic.twitter.com/kvw4TQ99w0
The police suspect that they may have been the shooter.
Photos from the scene showed that multiple police cruisers were stationed next to the facility.
A bomb disposal squad was also called to ensure the area was clear of dangerous devices.
Mayor Peter Tschentscher called the incident "shocking" and highlighted that officers were working hard to get clarity on the situation.
