Police shoot armed man after he opens fire on officers at town hall in Germany
A 27-year-old Afghan man was shot dead by police on Thursday afternoon after opening fire on officers in the courtyard of Tuttlingen town hall in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The state criminal police office (LKA) has taken over the investigation, and the exact motive remains unclear.
According to police and local reports, the incident unfolded around midday on 8 October 2026 in the southern German town of Tuttlingen.
The man, a 27-year-old Afghan national with a residence in Tuttlingen, was first noticed carrying a handgun in and around the town hall building.
Town hall staff became aware of the threat and reportedly barricaded themselves in their offices while calling police.
Officers located the man in the inner courtyard behind the town hall.
As police approached, he allegedly fired at them first.
Officers returned fire, hitting the man.
Despite immediate resuscitation attempts, he died at the scene.
The area around the town hall was cordoned off, and the building remained closed for the rest of the day as investigators worked the scene.
The Baden-Württemberg state criminal police office (Landeskriminalamt, LKA) is leading the inquiry, which is standard procedure whenever police use lethal force. Authorities say there is no ongoing danger to the general public.
Details that investigators are still clarifying include:
- The man’s precise motive for entering the town hall armed.
- Whether he had prior criminal records or known mental health issues; some reports mention he was “known to police,” but specifics have not been released.
- The full sequence of events inside the building before the confrontation in the courtyard.
Witnesses in the pedestrian zone described hearing loud bangs they initially mistook for fireworks, followed by shouting and a heavy police presence. Local media quoted one passerby who said the situation suddenly became “very hectic” with people screaming as officers moved in.
Officials have urged residents to avoid the immediate area around the town hall while the investigation continues.