German police are investigating a shooting in Hanau, near Frankfurt, after a gunman killed at least 8 people and wounded 5 more at two local shisha bars. The perpetrator, identified as 43-year-old Tobias R., was found dead in his home later, alongside his mother, who had allegedly been killed by him.
According to reports, the suspect left a letter and a video, confessing to the crime.
My thoughts are with the people of Germany as they grieve those lost in the terrible attack in Hanau last night.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 20, 2020
The UK stands with our German friends against this racist assault on our values.
"If the suspicion is confirmed, the gruesome attack in Hanau will be the third right-wing extremist murder in Germany within a year. Right-wing terrorism has reemerged as a threat to our country", German Foreign Minister Heiko Maastweeted.
"I express my condolences to the families of our citizens who died in this horrible attack. We are in touch with the German authorities, who, we believe, will do everything possible to fully investigate this crime", Erdogan said during a speech in Ankara.
According to the Turkish Ambassador to Berlin Ali Kemal Aydin, five of those who have been killed in Hanau are Turkish citizens.
The German Chancellor vowed that the government will use "all its might" to oppose those dividing the country.
"Racism is a poison, hatred is a poison and this poison exists in our society and it is already to blame for far too many crimes," Merkel added. "Currently, plenty indicates that the attacker was guided by right-wing extremist and racist motives, as well as hatred of people of a different origin, religion or other appearance".
"It's poison to see people as opponents, to see yourself as better than others, to see fellow citizens as foreigners - that's a poison that is increasingly penetrating society and can ultimately lead to these crimes", Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said.
"I am deeply shocked by the tragedy that took place last night in Hanau. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, to whom I want to extend my sincerest condolences. We mourn with you today", the ex-German minister said.
