- In Karlsruhe, Germany, a man held several people in his power for hours in a pharmacy.
- About two hours after the hostage-taking began, the police stormed the building.
- A suspect has been arrested. There were no injuries.
The police were in action with a large contingent. Several hours after the hostage-taking began, she reported that the building had been stormed.
The first emergency calls were received around 4:30 p.m., according to the DPA report. One or more perpetrators are said to have taken at least one hostage in a pharmacy in the middle of the city center. The police initially did not provide information on the number of perpetrators and hostages – for operational reasons.
The pharmacy is located in the center of Karlsruhe on one of the main streets. The forces cordoned off the area over a wide area. Numerous police and rescue service vehicles were seen on the street.
The police were in contact with the alleged hostage-taker. There was no danger to the population. Nevertheless, the police called on people to avoid the area of operation and to follow the instructions of the emergency services.
For residents and anyone who is currently unable to go home due to the lockdown measures, a school has been opened for accommodation, the police said.
Fair cancels events
The Karlsruhe trade fair canceled two evening events at short notice because of the incident. An event with dog trainer Martin Rütter and a master concert are affected, said a spokeswoman for the fair on Friday on request.
Legend:
KEYSTONE/DPA/Martin Oversohl
There was no way for the visitors to get through anyway: both venues are part of the festival site, which is close to the site that the police cordoned off over a large area.