Washington DC, 11 March 2023 (TDI): The Spokesperson of the United States (US) Department of State, Ned Price recently released a statement in which he stated that the US government strongly condemns the act of violence in Germany.
He condemned the senseless act of violence that occurred at a Jehovah’s Witnesses hall in Hamburg, Germany, which resulted in several fatalities and injuries.
Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragic shooting in Hamburg. We condemn this act of violence and are in solidarity with Germany. https://t.co/3LOiV0npJ4
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) March 10, 2023
“Our condolences are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time”, Spokesperson said. He endorsed that no one should have to fear for their safety while attending a place of worship.
“Such acts of violence have no place in any society. We stand in solidarity with the people of Germany and pledge our support to assist as needed”, the Spokesperson further stated.
Moreover, he emphasized that the US government is ready to provide any necessary assistance to the German authorities as they investigate this heinous crime and bring those responsible to justice.
Also, he urged that it is imperative for all nations to work together to combat acts of violence and terrorism wherever they occur.
To mention, the US and Germany share a longstanding and strong relationship based on shared values and a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Thus, he affirmed that the US will continue to work closely with Germany to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and all people.
“We send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we stand with the people of Germany as they come together to heal and rebuild”, the Spokesperson concluded.
Incident of Hamburg Shooting: Attack on Jehovah’s Witness hall
On Thursday, March 9th, a gunman opened fire during a religious service at a Jehovah’s Witness meeting hall in the Gross Borstel district of Hamburg, Germany.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Philipp F, acted alone and had previously been a member of the religious community. He reportedly had “ill feelings” towards Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of seven people, including an unborn baby. Four men and two women were among the dead, and all were German nationals. Eight people were injured, including a Ugandan and a Ukrainian.
The first emergency call was made at 9:04 pm local time, and officers arrived on the scene four minutes later. Special Forces also quickly arrived on the scene to assist.
The suspect had fled to the first floor of the building, where his “lifeless body” was found shortly afterward.
The police confirmed that they had previously received an anonymous tip-off that raised concerns about the perpetrator’s mental health, but they did not have enough grounds to take away his gun at the time. The suspect had a gun license and was described as a “sports shooter.”
Germany has some of the strictest gun laws in Europe, and there are plans to tighten them further after mass arrests were made in December 2022 in relation to a suspected plot to overthrow the government.
For the record, there were around one million private gun owners in Germany in 2021, according to the National Firearms Registry.
Moreover, the Jehovah’s Witness community in Germany has expressed its deep sadness at the attack and offered its condolences to the victims and their families.
For the information, Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a Christian-based religious movement, founded in the US in the late 19th century. There are about 8.7 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide, including about 170,000 in Germany.
