German police exchanged gunfire with an armed Islamist outside the Israeli consulate in Munich on Thursday, killing the assailant in a suspected terrorist plot to target the diplomatic mission.
German authorities have released details of a thwarted attack on the Israeli consulate in Munich on Thursday, revealing that police engaged in a fierce gunfight with an armed Islamist suspect, ultimately killing him. The incident has raised concerns about ongoing threats to Israeli diplomatic missions and the potential for further violence.
At approximately 9 a.m. local time on Thursday, German police approached a suspicious individual loitering near the Israeli consulate. Suspecting an impending attack, officers confronted the man, who was armed with a long rifle with a bayonet attached. The assailant opened fire on the officers, prompting a violent exchange of gunfire.
Armed Islamist Foiled in Munich Consulate Attack, German Police Engaged in Gunfire
According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, the gunman had parked his vehicle in plain view of the consulate, suggesting a deliberate plan to target the diplomatic mission. "We have to assume that an attack on the Israeli Consulate possibly was planned early today," Herrmann said at the scene.
The gunman, who has not yet been publicly identified, was an 18-year-old Austrian national with Bosnian roots. Police recovered a smartphone from the scene that reportedly contained content linking him to Islamist extremist ideologies.
Armed Islamist Foiled in Munich Consulate Attack, German Police Engaged in Gunfire
The shooting occurred on the anniversary of the infamous Munich Olympics massacre in 1972, where Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes and held others hostage. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of Israeli personnel abroad and the potential for further attacks.
Five police officers initially confronted the assailant, fatally wounding him in the ensuing firefight. Following the shooting, German authorities deployed an additional 500 police officers to secure the area and prevent any further threats.
Armed Islamist Foiled in Munich Consulate Attack, German Police Engaged in Gunfire
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that none of its personnel were harmed in the incident, as the consulate was closed for a ceremony commemorating the Munich Olympics massacre.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed condemnation and horror over the attack, saying that he had spoken with German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss the incident. "Together we expressed our shared condemnation and horror," Herzog wrote on social media.
Armed Islamist Foiled in Munich Consulate Attack, German Police Engaged in Gunfire
The shooting has prompted a heightened security presence around Israeli diplomatic missions in Germany and other countries. German authorities have vowed to implement strict immigration policies and measures to prevent further terrorist attacks.
The incident highlights the ongoing threat to Israeli interests around the world and the importance of robust security measures to protect both diplomats and civilians. As investigations into the Munich consulate attack continue, authorities are working to determine the extent of the threat and prevent any similar incidents from occurring in the future.
