Munich mall shooting: Suspect was obsessed with mass shootings

The news comes at a very turbulent time, where terrorist attacks are coming one after the other. Earlier this week, a 17-year-old Afghan immigrant attacked people on a train with sharp objects, critically injuring nearly five people. Hand-painted Islamic State flags were found in his house along with a video in which he pledged his allegiance to the terror organisation. The Islamic State had later claimed responsibility for the attack. The perpetrator was shot dead by the police while trying to flee.

Map of the Olympia shopping centre, and the McDonalds, where the shootout began.

Earlier last week, a speeding truck mowed down more than 80 people on Bastille Day in Nice, France. The ISIS had again claimed responsibility for this attack also. The driver was shot dead by the police.

In April, three people were injured in an explosion at Gurudwara in western Germany. Police worked on the assumption that the explosion was caused deliberately but that there are no indications it was a terrorist incident. However, soon it was found that one of the two men identified by police as Yusuf T, an ISIS sympathiser.

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Here are the highlights (Indian time IST)

3.45 pm: Munich gunman was obsessed with mass shootings and had no known links to Islamic State group – German police.

9:15 am: Have spoken to our ambassador in Germany, no Indian casualty in the Munich attack: Sushma Swaraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoned the attack.

6:08 am: The incident has left three critically injured, 13 other people suffering with mild injuries: Munich Police

5:56 am: On the basis of the current intelligence, the suspect is a 18-year old ‘Iranian from Munich’: Police chief. The shooter used a handgun.

5:54 am: All public transport transport services resume in Munich.

5:52 am: The motive behind the shooting is totally unclear at the moment, Munich Police says at press conference. They said that over 2000 police personnel and special security forces were engaged in the evacuation.

05: 03 am: We found a man, who killed him himself. We assume, that he was the only shooter, say German Police on Twitter.

04: 47 am: Ten dead in Munich shooting, including possible gunman: German police

03: 55 am: We know of at least 10 injured persons. Police operations are still running. The Situation is still not clear, says German Police.

03:04 am: US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, commenting on the shooting attack in Munich said the United States should do all in its power to keep out terrorism.

“This cannot continue. The rise of terrorism threatens the way of life for all civilized people, and we must do everything in our power to keep it from our shores,” Trump said on Facebook.

Police secure a street near to the scene of a shooting in Munich, Germany July 22, 2016. (Source: Reuters)

02:53 am: Merkel to convene German security council after Munich shootings: Spokesman (AFP)

02: 10 am:  Munich police say they have found 9th body at shooting scene; checking to see if it was an attacker. (AP)

02: 07 am: British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson says UK stands ready to assist Germany,  advises all UK nationals in Munich to remain indoors.

01: 57 am: Death toll rises to eight, confirms German Police. Suspects still at large.

01: 56 am: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she was monitoring the “horrific situation” in Munich. “We stand with our friends in Germany as they work to bring those responsible to justice,” Clinton said on Twitter.

01: 52 am:  German president says ‘horrified’ by ‘murderous attack’ in Munich (AFP)

01:51 am: Members of Germany’s elite anti-terrorism force are on their way to the scene of the deadly shooting in Munich.

01: 47 am:  Munich is in a state of emergency following the shooting at a shopping center, German TV reports. (Reuters)

01:16 am: Important Phone Number The central information and missing point for relatives (GAST) you reach 0800 7766350 : German Police

01: 00 am: German Police say they cannot  confirm about any other gunfire, apart from that Olympia Mall attack. Ask people not to spread speculation.

[2/2] Other crime scenes than Hanauer Str. can not be confirmed #gunfire #munich

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

12: 53 am: German police confirms death of 6 people, likely 3 suspects still at large

12:45 am: All hospitals and clinics have been alerted to deal with the emergency situation.

12:41 am: US President Barack Obama reacts on Munich attacks, says Germany is US’ closest ally and it extends all support that the Germany.

Watch as @POTUS provides an update on the developing situation in #Munich, Germany: https://t.co/RKJMCirtS9

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 22, 2016

12:40 am: Safety of Indian nationals may be informed on our Munich helpline numbers: 0171 2885973, 01512 3595006, 0175 4000667: Indian Consulate

12: 30 am: Police are asking people to leave highways near Munich after shooting, local broadcaster reports. (Reuters)

12: 18 am: Facebook activates ‘safety check’ after Munich attacks.

12: 10 am: As public transport facilities remain suspended following the Munich mall attack, #opendoor starts trending on Twitter. Residence in Munich are using #opendoor to help stranded people with shelter.

12:00 am:  Many people left dead, wounded after gunmen went on a shooting rampage at a Munich shopping mall: Police (Reuters)

LIVE: Police tactical team on the move after shooting rampage at Munich shopping mall pic.twitter.com/gSz5bMFmVf

— Reuters Live (@ReutersLive) July 22, 2016

11:56 pm:  Main train station in #Munich evacuated – German rail operator. (Reuters)

11:50 pm: German police ask people to remain indoor while operation at various places in the city is on.

11:45 pm: A second police operation is currently at the City Centre in Munich

11:43 pm: Police operation currently on at the Olympia shopping centre in  Munich

11:40 pm: German police saying “Unconfirmed reports of more violence and possible gunfire in the City Center.”

11:35 pm: Three suspected gunmen in German shopping mall shooting: Police, reports AFP

11:32 pm:  ‘Likely at least six dead’ in German mall shooting: Police source, reports AFP

11:23 pm: The shootout took place at round 6 pm local time at a McDonalds restaurant in the Olympia shopping centre.

Unverified footage appears to show moment shots fired in #Munich – Latest developments: https://t.co/AQSQhhNELq https://t.co/uGHOExawWg

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 22, 2016

11: 17 pm: One or several shooters are on loose, we don not know the location of the perpetrators: Munich Police

11:15 pm: Three people are dead in the shopping centre shooting in Munich, says German police to local TV RTL, reports CNN.

11:11 pm: German police requests people not to post pictures or videos about police operations to control the situation better.

Please don’t take Fotos or Video of Police Action in order to avoid any helpful Information for the suspects. #munich #gunfire #oez

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

11:09 pm: German news agency DPA: Munich police hunting shooter or shooters at mall; no one captured yet, reports AP.

11:05 pm: German police now report multiple shooting incidents in Munich

10:59 pm: Employees of shopping center still hiding inside.

10:57 pm: Police saying they might be dealing with a shooting rampage.

10:55 pm: Police telling people to stay away from public places.

+++ACHTUNG+++ Meiden Sie die Umgebung um das #OEZ – Bleiben Sie in Ihren Wohnungen. Verlassen Sie die Straße!+++

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

10:53 pm: Multiple transport services have been suspended such as trams, buses and trains .

10:48 pm: Helicopters are now flying over the scene and as workers at the shopping center have stayed back inside the shops. Meanwhile, the police has advised people against visiting the area.