Four Injured in Attack at School in Germany’s Bavaria; Suspect Arrested, Police Probe Possible Shooting Spree

Four people were injured Wednesday in an attack at a school in the southern German state of Bavaria, with police investigating whether the incident was part of a planned shooting spree.

According to German newspaper BILD, the attack took place at Welfen-Gymnasium in Schongau, southwest of Munich. A suspect has been arrested, and a heavy police presence remains at the scene as the investigation continues.

Police confirmed the arrest in a post on X: “A suspected perpetrator has been arrested. The number of people involved and the severity of the injuries are currently being clarified.” Schongau, where the school is located, has a population of more than 12,000.

Police Investigating Motive

More than 15 police patrol vehicles were sent to the school following the attack. A police officer told Bavarian broadcaster BR that investigators were looking into whether it could have been a planned shooting spree, and urged the public to stay away from the area. A police spokesperson also told BILD: “We cannot rule out the possibility of a school shooting.” Authorities were first alerted to the incident at around 12:50 pm local time.

Victims Reportedly Suffered Gunshot and Stab Injuries

Initial reports indicate several victims also sustained stab wounds. Officials have not yet confirmed how many of the injured are students or teachers.

Police initially said four people were injured, but have since declined to confirm the exact number while the investigation continues.

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Some victims were reportedly attacked inside the school building, while others were assaulted outside. Authorities said the suspect attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended shortly after.

Rare Incidents of Mass Violence in Germany

The attack comes just weeks after a shooting at a shelter for mothers and children in northern Germany in June, which left six people dead four women and two men, all employees of the facility.

Mass shootings remain rare in Germany. In 2023, a gunman killed six people at a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Hamburg. In 2016, an 18-year-old German-Iranian attacker shot dead at least nine people in Munich. The police investigation is ongoing, with further details expected as authorities work to confirm the circumstances of the attack.