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Munich attack: Teenage gunman had no links to IS - police

A teenage gunman who killed nine people and injured 27 others in Munich had no links to Islamic S...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.36 23 Jul 2016


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Munich attack: Teenage gunman...

Munich attack: Teenage gunman had no links to IS - police

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.36 23 Jul 2016


Share this article


A teenage gunman who killed nine people and injured 27 others in Munich had no links to Islamic State, police have said.

In a news conference this morning, the attack was described as a "classic shooting rampage" and not terrorism. 

Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae said 18-year-old David Ali Sonboly's room had been searched, telling reporters: "Based on the searches, there are no indications whatsoever that there is a connection to Islamic State." 

Mr Andrae also said the German-Iranian attacker had "no link whatsoever to the topic of refugees". 

During the search, investigators found literature about mass killings, including a book called: "Rampage in Head: Why Students Kill."

"The perpetrator was obviously obsessed with the issue," Mr Andrae said. 

Police investigator Robert Heimberger said it appeared the teenager had hacked into a Facebook account and lured people to a shopping centre with an offer of free food.

The posting had been sent from a young woman's account.

It urged people to arrive at the centre at 4 pm, saying: "I'll give you something if you want, but not too expensive."

Investigators said Sonboly, who was born and raised in Munich, had received psychiatric care and been treated for depression.  

Neighbours described him as a quiet, helpful teenager who loved playing video games. 

He had no licence for the 9mm Glock he carried along with 300 bullets in a backpack.      

Prosecutors said he did not have a criminal record.   

Seven of the victims were teenagers, police said. Three of the nine killed were Turkish citizens.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu named them as Sevda Dag, Can Leyla and Selcuk Kilic. 

Greece's foreign ministry said a Greek man had also been killed. 

Of the 27 hurt, 10 were seriously injured. Four of those injured had gunshot wounds.  

It is understood the attacker later shot himself in the head, taking his own life. 

His body was found on a side street near the mall, about two-and-a-half hours after the assault.  

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Speculation

Earlier, authorities said the teenager's motive was "completely unclear".

"The perpetrator was an 18-year-old German-Iranian from Munich," police chief Hubertus Andrae told reporters after the massacre.

"The motive or explanation for this crime is completely unclear," the officer said. 

Speculation about the gunman's motives had ranged from it being a right-wing extremist attack to an assault inspired by Islamic State.

Some witnesses described hearing him yelling anti-foreigner insults before opening fire outside the McDonald's restaurant, near to the mall. 

In a later conversation with a witness, recorded on a mobile phone, the attacker said he is a German citizen.      

Other media reported that the gunman had been bullied for "several years" and was seeking revenge.

US intelligence officials said initial reports from their German counterparts indicated no apparent link between the suspect and Islamic State or other militant groups.

Two others who fled the area quickly were investigated but had "nothing to do with the incident".


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