A shooting at a youth welfare facility in the northern German city of Stade left five people dead and several others injured on Monday, according to local authorities.
Stade police confirmed that two suspects, including the alleged shooter, have been taken into custody.
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Law enforcement officials said the area has been secured and there is no remaining danger to the general public, though residents were asked to avoid the vicinity.
Local officials stated that the violent incident occurred near educational infrastructure, prompting emergency safety evaluations for nearby children and staff.
"We are relieved that our staff and the children in the daycare center and elementary school are all safe and well, and I would like to thank the police officers for their service in this chaotic situation," said Carsten Brokelmann, Local Councillor.
Brokelmann also expressed condolences: "At the same time, our deepest sympathies go out to the victims of this terrible act and their families."
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Investigation Underway
An investigation into the motives and circumstances behind the shooting is currently being conducted by local police.
Authorities warned against the online spread of unverified details, noting that rumors could disrupt the ongoing investigation.
Stade is a historical town with a population of approximately 50,000 residents, situated about 45 kilometers (27 miles) west of Hamburg.
Mass shootings remain uncommon in Germany, where strict regulations govern firearms.
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According to German government data, around 929,000 individuals own just over 3 million registered guns within the nation of 83 million people.
