- Central station witnessing protest actions: "These are exhibitions of demonstration"
Following the lethal shootings at Frankfurt's main station, the suspect refused to speak about the accusations. This was announced by the spokesperson of the Frankfurt Public Prosecutor's Office, Dominik Mies. A 54-year-old individual is suspected of shooting a 27-year-old in the head during the evening of Tuesday, resulting in his death. All evidence is being scrutinized, witnesses are being interviewed, and any admissible proof is being examined.
The suspect was apprehended by federal police shortly after the incident, with a warrant issued for his arrest on suspicion of homicide. The unfortunate victim perished at the spot. On Thursday, the Public Prosecutor's Office remained silent about the possible connection between the two Turkish nationals.
Suspected video of the incident
Meanwhile, questionable clips from surveillance cameras are circulating online, depicting a man approaching another man from behind, pointing a gun at the back of his head, and the second man collapsing soon after. "Naturally, we've taken notice of this," said Mies, but he refrained from commenting.
According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly shot the 27-year-old twice more in the head while he was lying on the ground. The swift and dedicated actions of the federal police led to the arrest of the suspect nearby the crime scene at track 7. The officers prevented the man from boarding a train and escaping.
Incident raises numerous queries
Performing such an act in the middle of a bustling main station: "It bears a demonstrative or even staged quality to it," says criminal psychologist Rudolf Egg. "Anyone performing such an act in public is exposing themselves to a very high risk of being caught," says the former long-term director of the Criminal Central Office in Wiesbaden. The perpetrator must have been aware that surveillance cameras were recording the act and that there would be numerous witnesses. He must have foreseen that he would not get away with it, potentially leading to a life sentence.
"Someone who carries out an act like this must have a highly motivated reason or be under extraordinary pressure," says Egg. Perhaps there was no other alternative for committing the act. At present, one can only speculate whether organized crime or drug crime might be involved, or whether it concerns family honor or jealousy. Nothing can be ruled out. The area will undoubtedly now be viewed differently by passersby.
After the gunshots were discharged, Frankfurt's main station was temporarily closed for around 25 minutes during Tuesday evening due to the police operation. Since June 1, a nighttime weapons ban has been in effect at the main station, prohibiting the carrying of weapons according to the Weapons Act and knives with a fixed or locking blade longer than four centimeters between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
GdP: Complete security not feasible
The police cannot prevent all crimes, argues the state chairman of the Police Trade Union (GdP), Jens Mohrherr, in view of the escalating debate over the consequences of the deadly shootings. "Comprehensive security will not be achievable and cannot be established," said Mohrherr.
Stricter controls at train stations, similar to those at airports, would not be practical or feasible. The German Police Union (GdP) supports calls for a tougher gun law and expanded policing powers. However, this would necessitate sufficient personnel to be effectively implemented.
The incident occurred at Frankfurt's main station, a bustling railway hub. Despite the nighttime weapons ban in place, the suspect managed to discharge guns during the evening, causing chaos and prompting a temporary closure of the station.
