Several arrested after Monday night shooting in Cologne-Mülheim injures four

What happened

At around 22:00 on Monday, 3 August, a dispute among several people on Berliner Straße in Cologne's Mülheim district escalated into gunfire. Witnesses called the police after shots rang out on the open street. The incident unfolded near a petrol station and a kiosk. Police later described the event as an "Auseinandersetzung zwischen mehreren Personen" (dispute between several persons). The exact trigger and the sequence of events that led to the shooting remain unclear.

Injuries and victims

Four people were injured, some seriously, and were taken to hospitals by emergency services. The injuries included both gunshot and stab wounds, though it is not yet known how many of the four were hit by bullets. Two victims were found on the premises of the petrol station, while the other two were located approximately 200 metres away in front of a kiosk, according to n-tv. Police initially reported two injured but later raised the number to four. The injured individuals are currently being treated as both witnesses and suspects in the investigation.

Police response and arrests

A large-scale police operation was launched immediately after the emergency calls. Numerous officers cordoned off the area, secured evidence, and began questioning witnesses. The operation continued through the night. On Tuesday morning, a police spokesman stated that there was no ongoing danger to the public. While early police statements did not confirm any arrests, the German news agency dpa reported later that several people had been taken into custody. The number of shots fired and the identity of the shooter have not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether the arrested individuals include the suspected shooter.

“There is no danger to the public.”

Mülheim's crime background

Mülheim is known as one of Cologne's highest-crime districts. In June 2024, a square in the neighbourhood became North Rhine-Westphalia's first permanent weapons ban zone, a measure introduced to combat violent crime. In March 2026, a restaurant guest was threatened with a weapon and robbed in the same area. The district has repeatedly drawn police attention for such incidents.

Investigation ongoing

The criminal police have taken over the investigation. Detectives are working to determine the motive, reconstruct the exact timeline, and establish how many shots were fired. The police have not released any information about the background of those involved or the nature of the dispute. Authorities had indicated they would provide an update on first findings during the morning. A further update is expected later on Tuesday as the investigation progresses.