Arrest after violent incident at elementary school in Gosen-Neu Zittau

The broadcaster RBB and the Märkische Allgemeine were the first to report on the incident. The coverage triggered a broad media debate about security at schools in Brandenburg. Dietmar Woidke was informed about the situation.

Operation and cordons

Local police forces from the Brandenburg Police cordoned off the area around the school over a wide perimeter. Parents were asked not to bring their children to school and instead to wait at home for further information. A letter to parents was prepared.

The public prosecutor's office took over the further investigations. As rbb further reported, citing investigative circles, the questioning of witnesses and those involved continued on Thursday evening. Further information on the course of events was to be published in the course of Friday.

Care of the affected children

According to the available information, the school teaches children of primary school age. No concrete information was initially provided about the health condition of the affected children and possible injuries. According to the school supervisory authority, the psychological support is to begin shortly.

The incident caused dismay beyond the region. The Berlin authorities also followed the situation closely, as the school is located in the immediate vicinity of the state border with Berlin. Special forces from eastern Brandenburg were involved in the operation.

The Deutsche Presse-Agentur pointed out that no official information on the background of the crime was available as of Thursday evening. The Brandenburg Police announced a press conference for the following day to provide information on the state of the investigations.

Political reactions and security debate

Pupils, parents, and teachers are being cared for by a crisis intervention team. The school supervisory authority in Brandenburg is, according to its own statements, working closely with the police. Chaplains were also called to the school.

Security issues at schools are gaining in importance nationwide. The incident in Gosen-Neu Zittau is part of a growing discussion about violence prevention and protection concepts at educational institutions. Experts have long been calling for uniform standards.

The state government of Brandenburg announced that it would fully support the affected school community. Dietmar Woidke expressed his condolences to the families. Further measures are to be reviewed after the completion of the police investigations.