German Police Kill Armed Man Near Israeli Consulate
German Police Kill Armed Man Near Israeli Consulate
The Facts
German police shot and killed a gunman in Munich on Thursday, in an exchange of gunfire close to the Israeli consulate.German police Thursday shot and killed a gunman in Munich during an exchange of gunfire close to the Israeli consulate.
The suspect, identified by authorities as an 18-year-old Austrian national, was armed with a vintage hunting rifle. He was shot in Karolinenplatz, a square close to the Israeli consulate and a Nazi documentation center, both of which are considered to be at high risk of being attacked and given special security protections.Police identified the suspect as an 18-year-old Austrian national who was armed with a vintage hunting rifle. He was shot in Karolinenplatz, a square close to the Israeli consulate and a Nazi documentation center — both of which receive special security because they're considered high-risk for attacks.
The Spin
WithConsidering this incident occurring on the 52ndplace anniversary of the Munich Olympics massacre and intiming veryof closethis proximity to the Israeli embassyincident, it's is obvious that this terroristsuspect plannedwas trying to stagesend somean sort of anti-IsraeliIsrael message with an attempted attack. Israeli institutions, as well as Jewish institutions, in Germany have faced increased threats since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2024 attack on Israel, and more must be done to protect themthese facilities.
TerrorismIf ofpolice anystopped kindan isact badof andterrorism, it is extremely fortunate that's anygreat planned attack against the Israeli Consulate in Munich was thwarted before it could take placenews. ThatBut aside, this incident should not be used to further coddle Israel or Israeli institutions. PublicBecause discourseof surroundinghistorical theguilt Israel-Palestinerelated conflict is heavily restricted in Germany, likely due to the country's historical guilt surrounding the Holocaust. Because of this, anyGermany criticismheavily againstrestricts thepublic Israelidiscourse government,over includingIsrael rightful criticism of the genocide occurring in Gaza, is shut down and labeled antisemiticPalestine, evenbut when the criticism comes from jews themselves. Germany must stop equating protecting jewsJews with unconditionalpreventing supportcriticism forof Israel.
