The suspect was neutralized after he attempted to attack a cinema

A man went on an arson spree in Krefeld, Germany, reportedly setting fires at three locations before being shot by police as he attempted to storm a cinema near the city’s central train station.

The incident unfolded on Thursday evening, with the first emergency call received around 7:50pm local time.

According to local media reports, the suspect used “incendiary devices” believed to be Molotov cocktails to set fire to a car and two buildings, including an apartment building and the Federal Employment Agency.

He then fled toward Krefeld Central Station, where he tried to enter a Cinemaxx movie theater. Police engaged the suspect in the foyer of the building and opened fire to stop him.

A video circulating on social media shows officers storming the cinema, with screams heard before a shot is fired.

BREAKING:

The German police have shot a man in Krefeld after he started striking people in a cinema with a hammer pic.twitter.com/0H0DEPTnJ5

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 10, 2024

There were no reports of injuries among civilians, but the suspect was wounded and is currently receiving medical treatment. The motive behind his actions is unclear at this time. Police stated that they are investigating the incident as involving a single perpetrator and do not believe there is any further danger to the public.

Nach Feuer-Amoklauf in #Krefeld schießen Polizisten Angreifer im Eingang des CinemaxX nieder, Großeinsatz in der Innenstadt, Täter hat mindestens drei Brände gelegt, ganze Innenstadt abgesperrt, überall Einsatzkräfte #Polizei #amok #gewalt #Kriminalität pic.twitter.com/kjmFzzBqdz

— Frank Schneider (@chefreporterNRW) October 10, 2024

The incident has led to increased security measures in Krefeld. The area around the cinema has been cordoned off, with a large number of police officers securing the scene late into the evening. The station itself was not locked down.

An investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining how the incidents are connected. Local officials have arrived at the scene, including the city’s mayor, Frank Meyer.