Masked cinema gunman shot dead
A masked and armed man barricaded himself in a German multiplex cinema with dozens of moviegoers yesterday before being killed by the police. No hostages were injured in the complex in the western town of Viernheim, Hesse state Interior Minister Peter Beuth said."The assailant moved through the cinema complex, according to the information we have now, and appeared confused," he said. "There were hostages inside and there was a struggle [with the police] until, in the end, he was dead."A police spokesman in the nearby city of Darmstadt said "all the hostages were unhurt".Earlier reports said up to 50 people had been affected by teargas used by the police.The authorities said they had no information about the man's identity or motive, or if he was linked to a terrorist group.It is not known whether the man used a genuine firearm; local media reported that a "gas or stun gun" had been used.But witnesses said the man fired four shots as he entered the cinema.The German police's special response unit cordoned off the cinema shortly after the start of the incident. ..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.