German Police Exchange Fire With Gunman Near Israeli Consulate in Munich
Munich Holds Special Significance for Israelis
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid called for calm on Tuesday from the Knesset after German police exchanged fire with a gunman near the Israeli consulate in Munich. Munich was the site of the 1972 Olympic massacre where eight Palestinian terrorists attacked Israeli Olympic team members, killing 11.
Munich police are asking for witnesses in the ongoing investigation of the shooting that occurred on Tuesday, the anniversary of the 1972 attack. The New York Times reported that no one was injured in Tuesday's shooting, including the suspect who was taken into custody.
Munich Police Seek Witnesses
Police said the suspect opened fire on a building from his apartment with a rifle at around 10:30 a.m. local time. The shots hit the Israeli consulate building next door. Police closed off the area while they searched the area for other suspects. They don't believe Tuesday's incident is linked to terrorism, but the investigation is ongoing.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said that the suspect fired 21 shots. Police evacuated the consulate and surrounding buildings and public transportation was suspended in the area. Police and Israeli officials have not disclosed a possible motive.
Lapid: "We Will Not Be Deterred"
While no group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack, Lapid said the shooting took place on a known day of significance for Israel. "We will not be deterred from continuing to operate to ensure the security of Israelis around the world," Lapid said in a statement.
Remembrance Ceremony Overshadowed by Shooting
Tuesday's shooting occurred on the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Olympic massacre during the Munich Olympic Games. The Palestinian terrorist group Black September attacked and killed 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team in the Olympic Village. The incident took place over two days.
Police originally believed that two Israelis killed during the massacre had been rescued and returned to the Olympic Village but this turned out not to be the case. An autopsy later revealed that the athletes died in the initial attack.
A memorial ceremony was held in Munich on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the attack. Officials from Israel and Germany attended, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Lapid.
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