Schongau School Attack: 16-Year-Old Arrested After Two Girls Injured on July 8

A 16-year-old former student launched an attack at Welfen-Gymnasium in Schongau, Bavaria on July 8, seriously injuring two 13-year-old girls. The suspect fired one shot from a pistol that missed, then the weapon malfunctioned. He switched to a knife and attacked the girls before teachers and police overpowered him in 17 minutes. Both victims are now out of danger. The suspect, a Croatian national, had prior psychiatric treatment and is in custody.

How the attack unfolded

The 16-year-old suspect arrived at the school armed with a firearm and knife. He fired one shot that hit no one, then the gun jammed and would not fire again. He drew the knife and attacked two schoolgirls, injuring them severely. Teachers and police overpowered the suspect only 17 minutes after the first alarm. A total of 160 emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Suspect’s background and mental health

The attacker is a 16-year-old Croatian citizen and former pupil of Welfen-Gymnasium. Bavaria’s interior minister Joachim Herrmann said the suspect had received psychiatric treatment in the past. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated the teenager likely acted during a mental health emergency. Investigators are still determining whether the suspect had any prior relationship with the two injured girls or if they were random targets.

Victims’ condition and school response

The two injured girls, both 13 years old, were taken to hospital and are no longer in life-threatening condition. On July 9, the day after the attack, Welfen-Gymnasium resumed regular classes. School counselors and psychologists remained on site to support traumatized students and staff. Crisis intervention teams treated numerous teenagers for shock at the scene.

Investigation and custody

The suspect was arrested at the scene and placed in investigative detention rather than psychiatric care, despite Dobrindt’s assessment of a mental health crisis. Police and prosecutors are investigating the motive and whether any connection existed between the attacker and his victims. Schongau is a town of over 12,000 residents on the Lech River in western Upper Bavaria.

Final Thoughts

The rapid response by teachers and police prevented further casualties, with the suspect neutralized in 17 minutes. Both victims survived serious injuries. Investigators continue probing the suspect’s motive and mental state as the school community processes the trauma.

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