German Police: 8 Dead in Apparent Terror Attack

As police hunt those responsible for a deadly shooting rampage at a shopping mall in Munich, they are already calling it a terror attack.

On Twitter, Munich police said eight people are dead and an unknown number wounded after shots were fired at the Olympia Shopping Center Friday evening. A later Tweet reported that a ninth body was found. Police are trying to determine if it was one of the attackers.

Munich police used Twitter to urge citizens to remain indoors, refrain from posting images and video of police activity on social media to prevent the imagery from tipping off the perpetrators, and to avoid speculation.

As they hunt for the attackers, police also urged people to avoid crowded areas.

The Associated Press reports that members of Germany’s elite GSG9 anti-terrorism force are on their way to the scene.

There are no details on who was responsible for the shooting.

In a Facebook post, Munich police said witnesses reported seeing three different people with guns near the mall.

Subway, bus and trolley cars have been shut down. The German train company Deutsche Bahn stopped train traffic to Munich’s main station. Friday’s performances at the Tollwood music festival in nearby Olympiapark were cancelled.

“We don’t yet know exactly what’s happening there, but obviously our hearts go out to those who may have been injured,” President Obama said, speaking at the White House. “We are going to pledge all the support they may need.”

The U.S. State Department advised U.S. citizens in Munich to shelter in place and to contact loved ones to let them know they are safe.

“We’ve seen initial reports about a shooting at a shopping center in Munich, Germany,” said State Department Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We’re following the situation closely here at the department and we are working with local authorities to determine if any U.S. citizens have been impacted.”
(source: VOA)