German prosecutors are treating the Hanau attacks as terrorism

German prosecutors are treating the Hanau attacks as terrorism

The deadly shootings in the town of Hanau late on Wednesday are being investigated as terrorism, Hesse state Interior Minister Peter Beuth says.

“Based on what we know now, there was definitely a xenophobic motive,” he said after a press briefing.

The alleged shooter was found dead in his flat along with his dead, 72-year-old mother, said Beuth. The man was a hunter and owned his guns legally, but had never come to the attention of authorities before the attacks.

Beuth said that the attacks on at least two bars and a vehicle left nine other people dead and one seriously injured. Multiple other injuries were also reported.

Source: MIA