German Police Neutralize Gunman Near Israeli Consulate on Munich Olympics Attack Anniversary

German police shot and killed a gunman near the Israeli consulate and a Nazi history museum in Munich on the anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack. The motive remains unclear, but authorities are investigating potential links to the anniversary. No consulate staff were injured in the incident.

German police shot dead a man in an exchange of fire near the Israeli consulate and a Nazi history museum in Munich on Thursday, according to state Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. "Due to the intervention of the police, the perpetrator was stopped," Herrmann said. A police spokesperson in the Bavarian state capital confirmed the man was armed with an old rifle.

The incident occurred on the anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack, where Palestinian militants killed 11 Israeli athletes. Authorities have yet to determine the gunman's motive but are exploring possible connections to the anniversary. The Israeli foreign ministry stated that the consulate was closed for a commemoration and no staff were harmed.

The shooting highlights rising political tensions in Germany, as it happened a few days after the far-right Alternative for Germany party achieved a historic regional election victory. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, emphasizing its tragic timing on the anniversary of the Olympics massacre.

(With inputs from agencies.)