Six Killed in German Youth Center Shooting: Custody Dispute Suspected

Six people were killed and several others injured on Monday when a gunman opened fire at a youth welfare facility in Stade, a town west of Hamburg, Germany. Authorities believe the attack was linked to a custody dispute involving the suspect, a 45-year-old man of Turkish descent who was born in Germany. The shooting occurred at a facility that provides services and temporary housing for pregnant women and young mothers with children. All six victims were employees of the center; four were women, and two were men. Five died at the scene, while the sixth succumbed to injuries at a hospital. The suspect, who had a scheduled appointment at the facility to discuss custody of his three-month-old daughter, was arrested shortly after the attack. Police also detained an additional woman, though her role remains unclear. The child and the mother were unharmed. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed shock at the violence, calling it a 'horrific act' in a place meant to protect women and children. Police Chief Kathrin Schuol described the shooting as 'cold-blooded' and confirmed that the motive was likely tied to a custody battle. The incident has raised questions about gun control in Germany, where strict regulations exist but mass shootings remain rare.