Six shot dead at mothers and children centre in Germany

Police detained a 45‑year‑old man after a gun‑fire incident at a child‑care facility in Stade, a town 30 km west of Hamburg, that left six staff members dead and several others wounded.

The shooting began at around 12:10 local time when the suspect, a German‑born Turkish national, allegedly shot his way through the building over a dispute concerning the custody of his 3‑month‑old daughter.

All six victims—four women and two men—were employees of the centre. A third‑month‑old baby and her mother were present in the office but escaped unharmed.

Police confirm the gunman had no firearms licence and was known to authorities for earlier threats, but was not regarded as violent. The Interior Minister described the act as “cold‑blooded” and entirely personal.

Following the incident, large numbers of police and emergency services converged on the site, with officers firing at a Mercedes that fled with the suspect and accompanying woman.

Children at nearby day‑care and primary schools were evacuated and later returned to parents. Investigations remain ongoing; investigators say no further threat to the public exists.

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