Munich Police Foil Attack on Israeli Consulate, Gunman Fatally Shot

A gunman was fatally shot by Munich police near the Israeli Consulate, suspected of planning an attack on the consulate on the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack. The suspect, an 18-year-old Austrian with Bosnian roots, had a previous history with police and was reportedly radicalized.

Police in Munich engaged in a shootout with a gunman near the Israeli Consulate on Thursday, resulting in the suspect being fatally wounded. Authorities believe he intended to attack the consulate on the anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics attack.

The incident occurred shortly after 9 am near the consulate and a Nazi-era history museum. Officers, alerted to a person with a gun in the Karolinenplatz area, shot back at the suspect when he opened fire. The gunman, an 18-year-old Austrian armed with an old long gun and bayonet, died at the scene. His motive is still under investigation.

Police secured the area with around 500 officers. Authorities confirmed no additional suspects were involved. The suspect had previously been flagged by Austrian authorities for a “dangerous threat” and suspected involvement in a terror organization. He was banned from owning weapons until at least 2028.