Viernheim shooting
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| Viernheim shooting | |
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The Kinopolis cinema complex in Viernheim
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| Location | Robert-Schuman-Straße 8, Viernheim, Germany |
| Coordinates | 49°31′41.02″N 8°34′0.87″E / 49.5280611°N 8.5669083°E |
| Date | 23 June 2016 2:45 p.m. (12:45 GMT) |
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Attack type
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Hostage-taking |
| Deaths | 1 (the perpetrator) |
| Assailants | Unknown |
| Motive | Unknown |
On 23 June 2016, an unidentified man opened fire at the Kinopolis cinema complex in Viernheim, Germany, in a hostage-taking incident. Several initial reports incorrectly stated that dozens of victims had been wounded. No hostages were injured and the gunman was shot and killed by the Hessian special operations police.[1][2]
Attack[edit]
The shooter was wearing a balaclava terrorist style hood, combat boots and a long gun with cartridge belt around his shoulder. He was also carrying what appeared to be a hand grenade and an explosives belt. Witnesses believe the gunman fired four shots when he arrived into the movie complex, which is located in the small western town of Viernheim. Many moviegoers ran and screamed when they heard shots fired. The man threatened 17 hostages in a bathroom. Police believed that despite his attire and apparent arsenal of weaponry the gunman was not a terrorist but only a "confused individual". While authorities were not able to determine a motive, they were certain to rule out any Islamist motives.[3][4]
Tear gas was used as special police forces entered the cinema and "fought and killed" the gunman.[5]
For unknown reasons, German authorities have not released the shooter's identity.
References[edit]
- ^ "Special police kill attacker at cinema south of Frankfurt". The Local. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ Justin Huggler; James Rothwell (23 June 2016). "Germany shooting: Gunman 'shot dead by police' after opening fire in cinema complex in Viernheim". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ Stephanie Webber (23 June 2016). "Gun man opens fire and injures many". US Weekly. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ "Germany shooting: man killed after opening fire at cinema in Viernheim". The Guardian. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ "German Viernheim cinema complex attacker shot dead". BBC News. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
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