Germany in shock after Halle shooting, Merkel attends vigil for victims
German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended a vigil on Wednesday night in Berlin and expressed “solidarity for all Jews on the holy day of Yom Kippur”.
Two people were killed by a gunman attempting to enter a synagogue in the east German city of Halle.
Politicians and religious leaders condemned the attack and expressed their solidarity with Germany’s Jewish community.
Authorities believe the attack was motivated by anti-Semitism.
Witnesses inside the synagogue say the shooter tried to force his way in through the door. Dozens of Jews inside had been observing Yom Kippur on Wednesday.
Authorities have arrested a 27-year-old German, Stephan B. and have indicated that they believe he acted alone.
Police say the man had no previous arrests, but his targets suggest that he had anti-Semitic and xenophobic beliefs.
Dressed in combat gear, the attacker was also wearing a helmet with a camera, which he used to livestream the attack on Amazon’s streaming platform Twitch. During the video, which was quickly removed, the assailant ranted that the Holocaust had never happened as well as shouting xenophobic and misogynistic statements.
The suspect was apprehended by city police after he crashed his car.
Via DW
