Munich police shoot suspicious person near museum and consulate

On Thursday morning, police in Munich responded to reports of a man carrying a long gun in the Karolinenplatz area, close to a museum and the Israeli Consulate. At approximately 9 a.m., an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and the police, resulting in the suspect being fatally wounded. Fortunately, no other individuals were reported injured during the incident. The suspect was armed with an old firearm featuring a repeating mechanism, and he died at the scene. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspect or any potential motives behind his actions. Bavaria's Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, confirmed that the suspect had fired upon the police, prompting their return fire. The incident's timing raised concerns due to its proximity to the anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack, although no direct connection has been established. In response to the shooting, police increased their presence in the city, ensuring public safety. They confirmed that there were no additional suspects involved and that the situation was contained. The Israeli Consulate was closed during the incident, and no staff members were harmed. The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism also reported that all employees were unharmed. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser both condemned the shooting, emphasizing the importance of protecting Jewish and Israeli facilities. Faeser described the event as a serious incident but refrained from speculating on its implications, highlighting the ongoing commitment to security in the region.