Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Germany cinema shooting: Gunman shot dead after attack at Viernheim cinema

The man was killed after police stormed the cinema complex, according to the interior minister of the state of Hesse

Andrew Griffin
Thursday 23 June 2016 15:54 BST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An armed man who entered a cinema in Germany has been shot dead, according to local media reports.

The man was reported to have entered the cinema wearing a mask and carrying arms, before taking hostages. He was shot during the police operation that followed, according Germany's interior ministry.

Police stormed the complex soon after reports of a heavily-armed man had taken hostage inside the cinema complex in Viernheim, according to local reports that cited the German interior minister of the state of Hesse.

Though previous reports had said that 20-50 people had been wounded when the gunman opened fire, it isn't clear whether or not the man actually used any of the weapons he stormed the cinema with.

Local reports also suggested that all other injuries had been sustained during the police operation, when officers used tear gas.

Gunman opens fire and takes hostages at German cinema

Spokeswoman Christiane Kobus had earlier said she couldn't give further details of what was happening. She was not able to confirm unsourced German media reports that an armed man had entered the movie theater and fired at least one shot.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in