Two girls seriously injured in school attack in Schongau, Bavaria; 16-year-old arrested
A 16-year-old suspect was arrested after at least two girls were seriously injured in a suspected rampage at a gymnasium in Upper Bavaria on Wednesday.
What happened
At around 12:50 on Wednesday, police received emergency calls reporting injured persons at the Welfen-Gymnasium in Schongau, a town of 12,000 in Upper Bavaria. Officers from across the region responded immediately, with a police helicopter also deployed. Students described a chaotic scene after an alarm sounded, with everyone trying to leave the building. Police spokesperson Thomas Schelshorn said the situation pointed to a rampage ("Amoklage").
Casualties and response
At least two girls were seriously injured and taken to hospital. A police spokesperson said their injuries were not life-threatening. The total number of injured remained unclear, but was described as a single-digit figure. Six rescue helicopters, including four from ADAC air rescue, were involved in the response. A contact point for parents was set up at the fire station on Bahnhofstraße.
- Emergency calls about injured persons at Welfen-Gymnasium
- Officers and helicopter dispatched; school evacuated amid chaotic scenes
- 16-year-old suspect detained on school grounds
- Six rescue helicopters deployed; two girls seriously injured and taken to hospital
- Police search school; no second perpetrator found
Suspect and investigation
A 16-year-old male was arrested on the school grounds. Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the suspect was believed to have been armed with a knife and a firearm. However, no firearm had been found by late afternoon, only ammunition. It was not immediately known whether the teenager attended the school. Herrmann said there were initial rumors of a second perpetrator, but no credible evidence. Police were still searching the premises.
Reactions
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder described the incident as a rampage and offered condolences.
He thanked police and rescue services for their swift response.Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured of the Schongau rampage. Such a terrible act tears not only visible but also many invisible wounds. The healing of the souls will take a long time.
