Psychologists offering help after shooting at German  school

 

GERMANY – On Thursday, a 15-year-old at the Waldbach School allegedly shot a fellow pupil of the same age, who succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.

The suspect was remanded in custody on suspicion of manslaughter.

The southern German town of Offenburg on Friday provided psychological care in a number of local educational institutions following the previous day’s fatal shooting of a teenage schoolboy.

Specialists were giving young people support in dealing with the violent nature of the incident, the education ministry in the state of Baden-Württemberg said.

On Thursday, a 15-year-old at the Waldbach School allegedly shot a fellow pupil of the same age, who succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards. The suspect was remanded in custody on suspicion of manslaughter.

The on-site crisis aftercare at the Waldbach School was set to continue on Monday. The school with around 180 students remained closed on Friday.

The shooting sent shock waves through Germany, where violence involving firearms in schools is unusual.

“Our thoughts are now with the family and relatives of the victim,” said state education minister Theresa Schopper, noting the deep wounds that such an event leaves in a school community.

“We will do what we can for the bereaved, for the pupils and for the teachers at Waldbach School.”

Offenburg, a transport and economic centre in the region, has a population of about 62,000. The German border town is located near the French city of Strasbourg.

Such shootings are relatively rare in Germany as gun ownership is subject to strict regulations, with people needing a firearms ownership license in order to buy firearms.

Access to a firearms ownership license requires people be aged 18 or older, deemed trustworthy and have expert knowledge, among further criteria.

Convicted felons, those with a record of mental disorder or who are deemed unreliable may not obtain a license.