Shot in the classroom: Victims' representative offers help
Following the fatal shooting at a school in Offenburg, the victims' representative of the Baden-Württemberg state government has offered help to relatives and fellow pupils. "As Victims' Commissioner, my team and I are available to all those affected as a point of contact," explained Alexander Schwarz. Together with those involved locally, it is important to them to be there for them and not to leave them alone in this difficult situation.
On Thursday, a 15-year-old allegedly shot a fellow pupil of the same age at a special needs school, who died of his injuries shortly afterwards. The German suspect was remanded in custody on suspicion of manslaughter, as the police and public prosecutor's office announced in the evening.
"According to the current state of affairs, a personal motive is possible", they added. Details initially remained unclear. Another question is where the teenager got the handgun.
According to dpa information, he had more ammunition with him. The fact that there were no more injuries or even deaths is probably due to a coincidence: an adult who happened to be present detained the suspected shooter until the police arrived a few minutes later. It was not a teacher - but someone who was on the school grounds with permission.
Pastoral care and victim support
The Waldbach School is to remain closed this Friday. Mayor Marco Steffens (CDU) explained: "As a city, we are in contact with all authorities and institutions in order to be able to deal with this difficult situation together. The next few days and weeks will certainly not be easy."
Emergency counsellors from various aid organizations were on site immediately after the crime. They looked after the children, their parents and teachers in a nearby sports hall. "It is incomprehensible to me how a young human life was ended today," said Head of Schools Hans-Peter Kopp. "On the part of the city, we are offering all the help we can to support the affected parents, their children, teachers and educators as well as the psychologists from the police and emergency counsellors from the aid organizations in the coming days."
Victims' representative Schwarz said: "I am very shocked that such a terrible act has occurred at a school in our country." He expressed his condolences to the relatives of the pupil who was killed. "But we are also thinking of the many young pupils who experienced terrible things and had to endure great fear for hours on end." The Victims' Commissioner is the point of contact for all relatives and people who were injured themselves or who witnessed the events.
Catholic Archbishop Stephan Burger from Freiburg said: "The horrific act of violence at the Offenburg school shocks me deeply and leaves me stunned." Even if there are still many unanswered questions, it is clear that "violence and bloodshed, regardless of why and where, always leave only pain and despair."
In light of the crime committed at the school, it's crucial for schools to implement stronger safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Additionally, ongoing support from mental health professionals and victim services, like the ones provided by Alexander Schwarz and his team, should be made available to students and staff who have been traumatized by the incident.
Source: www.dpa.com
