Violent Attack in Gießen City Center
Three people were injured in a shooting incident at a sports betting shop in the central German city of Gießen on Saturday afternoon. The attack occurred around 3:10 PM local time at the Marktplatz square, a popular commercial area in the city center located approximately 50 kilometers north of Frankfurt.
According to police reports, the perpetrator entered the betting establishment and fired four to five shots before fleeing the scene on foot. 'We responded immediately to the emergency calls and secured the area,' said a police spokesperson. 'The victims were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.'
Suspect Apprehended After Manhunt
Authorities launched an extensive search operation following the shooting, with special police units and forensic teams deployed to the scene. The suspect was apprehended several hours after the incident, though police have not released details about the arrest location or circumstances.
'The public is no longer in danger,' confirmed police officials in a statement. 'We have the situation under control and are conducting a thorough investigation.' German newspaper Bild reported that the perpetrator was known to police prior to the incident and used a handgun during the attack.
Victims' Condition and Investigation Progress
While the exact severity of the victims' injuries remains unclear, authorities have confirmed that none of the injuries are life-threatening. All three victims were receiving medical care at local hospitals as of Saturday evening.
The betting shop remained cordoned off throughout Saturday evening as forensic investigators collected evidence and examined the crime scene. Police have not released information about a possible motive for the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.
'We are examining all possible angles and motives,' stated investigators. 'At this point, we cannot speculate about why this happened.'
Community Reaction and Security Concerns
The shooting has raised concerns about public safety in Gießen, a university town with approximately 90,000 residents. Local authorities have assured residents that additional security measures are being implemented in the city center.
According to information from Deutsche Welle, the incident occurred in a normally peaceful commercial district that attracts both locals and visitors. The city of Gießen, located in the state of Hesse, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and is home to the University of Giessen, founded in 1607.
This incident follows other recent violent events in the region, including a double killing in nearby Bad Nauheim earlier this year, highlighting ongoing security challenges in central Germany.