A shooting in Stade, northern Germany, on Monday, June 30, 2026, resulted in six fatalities. Two individuals have been taken into police custody. Authorities have stated there is no further threat to the public.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred on Dankersstrasse, near a youth center and shelter for mothers and children. Police received reports of the incident around midday. According to police, the suspect, a 45-year-old German man, had an appointment at the facility earlier that day before opening fire.
Five people were pronounced dead at the scene. A sixth victim died later in a hospital.
Victims
All six deceased are reported to be staff members of the youth center. Reports from different sources vary on the gender of the victims, with one source stating four women and two men, while another identified the victims as employees of the shelter.
The suspect's three-month-old daughter and her mother were present at the facility during the incident but were not physically harmed.
Arrests and Suspect Background
Police confirmed the arrest of the suspected shooter, a 45-year-old German man, along with a female driver. One source reports that the female driver is believed to be an acquaintance or family member. Another source states that the mother of the child is also in police custody.
Authorities stated that the suspected motive is a child custody dispute. Police have said the shooting had no political or economic motive.
The suspect is reported to live in the Hanover area, was born in Germany, and has Turkish roots.
Official Response
A large number of emergency personnel responded to the scene. Police cordoned off the area and advised the public to avoid the location, later confirming there was no ongoing danger to the general public. Forensic experts and plainclothes police were collecting evidence at the scene.