Motive revealed for deadly shooting at German youth center: custody dispute

Six people were killed in a shooting incident near a youth center in Stade, Lower Saxony, Germany. Authorities revealed details of the attack during a joint press conference held by Lower Saxony Interior Minister Daniela Behrens and Lüneburg Police Chief Kathrin Schuol.

Schuol identified the suspect as a 45-year-old German-born male of Turkish origin residing in Hanover. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle the suspect used during his escape. The suspect had a previous police record, including charges related to threats. Three individuals were taken into custody in connection with the incident.

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The suspect had a prior record, including charges related to threats.

The primary motive behind the attack appears to be the suspect's failure to obtain custody of his three-month-old daughter. The suspect, whose three-month-old daughter and wife were present at the youth center, had reportedly engaged in multiple discussions with officials regarding custody but was unsuccessful. A dispute with youth center staff on the day of the attack, after receiving another negative response regarding custody, escalated into the shooting.

All six victims were employees of the youth center. Four women and two men lost their lives at the scene, while one person died later in the hospital. The suspect's daughter and her 34-year-old mother were unharmed. Information regarding any relationship issues between the suspect and the mother of his child was not disclosed during the press conference.

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The motive for the attack was the perpetrator's inability to gain custody of his three-month-old daughter.