Gunman Shot Dead Near Israeli Consulate in Munich on Olympic Attacks Anniversary

Gunman Shot Dead Near Israeli Consulate in Munich

In a shocking incident on Thursday, police officers in Munich fatally shot an armed assailant just a short distance from the Israeli consulate and a museum dedicated to the city’s Nazi-era history. This event transpired on the solemn anniversary of the 1972 Olympic Games terror attack, where 11 Israeli athletes lost their lives.

Authorities are treating the gunman’s actions as a potential terrorist attack, given the timing and location. Joachim Herrmann, Bavaria’s chief security official, remarked, “It most probably isn’t a coincidence,” suggesting that the consulate may have been the intended target.

The assailant, identified as an 18-year-old Austrian male, reportedly arrived in a car, exited, and opened fire on patrolling officers with a rifle equipped with a bayonet. In response, the police returned fire, resulting in the gunman’s death. Fortunately, no other individuals were injured during the incident.

Mr. Herrmann informed reporters at the scene, “We have to assume that an attack on the Israeli Consulate possibly was planned early today.” It is noteworthy that the consulate was closed for the day in remembrance of the tragic anniversary.

Bavaria’s governor, Markus Söder, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “For a moment today, Munich held its breath,” during an impromptu news conference. Reports from German and Austrian news agencies indicated that the shooter, who hailed from a Bosnian family, was known to authorities due to possible links to Islamic radicalization.

The incident took place on the 52nd anniversary of the Munich Games attack, wherein Palestinian militants took hostages and ultimately killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches during a failed rescue operation by German officials. This tragic event also claimed the life of one West German police officer.

According to police statements, the gunman arrived at the Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism around 9 a.m. He initiated his attack by firing at officers on patrol. The police swiftly retaliated, fatally wounding him. Remarkably, a journalist captured the exchange of gunfire on video — a rare occurrence in downtown Munich.

Authorities later revealed that the weapon used by the gunman was an outdated “repeater” rifle, still affixed with a bayonet. The tense atmosphere prompted a significant police response, with approximately 500 officers deployed to secure the area and ensure there were no further threats.

Nearly 90 minutes after the gunfire erupted, the police announced that the situation was under control and declared an “all clear.” It was confirmed that the assailant was a resident of Austria who had recently crossed into Germany.

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his shock over the incident, as reported by the German news agency D.P.A. He pledged to maintain close communication with Israeli President Isaac Herzog for ongoing updates regarding the investigation. Two years prior, the two leaders commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Munich Games attack, during which Mr. Steinmeier offered a heartfelt German apology to the families of the victims.