Gunman opens fire at German youth welfare center, 6 dead: reports

A suspect has been arrested after six people were shot dead Monday at a welfare center in northern Germany, officials said.

The shooting happened in broad daylight in Stade, a town of about 50,000 people near Hamburg. Authorities said the victims – four women and two men – all worked at the youth center or its affiliates. Five were pronounced dead at the scene, and the sixth died later at the hospital, according to the Associated Press, citing authorities.

Dozens were injured in this shooting that may have been tied to a custody dispute, the newspaper reported.

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Police said the shooting happened at a center on Dankersstrasse that houses pregnant women and young mothers with children, according to the Associated Press.

The suspect, who is 45 years old, had met him at the center the next day before the shooting happened in broad daylight. His three-month-old daughter and the child’s mother were safe, Reuters reported.

The suspect has been arrested. Police said two others were also under investigation for alleged involvement but did not provide further details, according to the Associated Press.

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Authorities said the victims – four women and two men – all worked at the youth center or its affiliates. (News5/Reuters)

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was “deeply shocked” by the violence taking place in an area meant to protect women and children.

“The bloody act of violence that took place in the Stade took the lives of six people today. I am very shocked by the violence that exists in the area that is meant to be protected,” said Steinmeier.

“I offer my condolences to the families of the dead and injured, who have to endure so much pain. I am very grateful to all the first responders and doctors.”

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Police warned people to avoid the area after the shooting but later said there was no danger to the public. (News5/Reuters)

Police warned people to avoid the area after the shooting but later said there was no danger to the public. Investigators were still gathering evidence Monday evening, Reuters reported.

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Mass shootings in Germany are rare.

Earlier this year, a car crashed into a pedestrian zone in Leipzig, Germany, killing two people and seriously injuring several others.

Stade police could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.