Unborn Child Among 7 Killed In German Church Shooting—Here’s What We Know

Topline

At least seven people—including an unborn child—were killed in a mass shooting at a church in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday, according to police, with 25 others injured in one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings in recent years.

Key Facts

The gunman—identified as Philipp F.—killed himself after firing shots into a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in the city Thursday evening, killing seven peolpe and injuring 25, Hamburg police said.

Hamburg police said there is “no reliable information” available for the gunman’s motive.

Police said the gunman worked alone, had a weapons license and legally owned a semi-automatic pistol—though he was previously investigated after authorities received a tip that he may not be suitable to own a firearm, according to the Associated Press.

Crucial Quote

“The reports from Alsterdorf / Gross Borstel are shocking. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher tweeted.

Key Background

Mass shootings are far rarer in Germany than the U.S., but are not unheard of. In February 2020, a far-right extremist killed nine people of immigrant backgrounds at hookah lounges in the city of Hanau. German officials have also voiced concerns about rising Islamic extremism in recent years, after an ISIS supporter killed 12 people in a Berlin truck rampage in 2016.

Further Reading

Shooting at Jehovah’s Witness hall in Hamburg, Germany; several killed or injured, police say (CBS News)

Several killed in shooting in Germany church in Hamburg (BBC)