A week after the massacre at a Jehovah’s Witness church in Hamburg, in which a 35-year-old former member shot seven people and himself, all of the injured are now out of danger. “This is actually the most beautiful news of the day, which also puts the first smile on our faces,” says Michael Tsifidaris, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses for the northern Germany region.
According to the report, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have been invited to an ecumenical memorial service scheduled for Sunday by the Protestant and Catholic Church and the Working Group on Christian Churches, but are unlikely to officially attend.
Tsifidaris said in the northern German Runfdunk on Friday that his community appreciates “when churches or other institutions in our country show a sign of solidarity and sympathy”. The Jehovah’s Witnesses wanted to hold their own funeral service the following weekend, he announced. “And we will also find ways for the wider public to participate in this way.”
Meanwhile, the investigation into the shooter’s motive continues. Two months before the crime, an anonymous whistleblower drew attention to the 35-year-old’s possible mental illness and danger, citing a book as evidence. In it, the later runaway postulates confused religious statements, also in connection with the Holocaust.
Look for a motive
According to investigators, the man himself was a member of the parish in the Hamburg district of Gross Brush until a year and a half ago, but then left under circumstances that have not yet been definitively clarified. He was also a marksman and as such legally owned the later murder weapon. It cannot be ruled out that 35-year-old Philipp F. acted out of “hate” against the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith community, senior prosecutor Arnold Keller, who is in charge of the investigation, said Tuesday.
At the moment, however, it cannot be said with certainty whether the motive lies in this. There are also no indications of involvement in criminal structures or right-wing extremist networks, according to state security.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
