A gunman has killed two people in eastern Germany after attempting to enter a synagogue where dozens were observing a Jewish holiday.
The suspect live-streamed the attack on an online video-game platform before being arrested.
The video, which has now been removed, showed him making anti-Semitic comments to camera before driving to a synagogue in Halle and shooting into its door.
Max Privorotzki, leader of the local Jewish community, said the attempted attack on the synagogue was captured on a surveillance camera..”
“The man looked like he was from the special forces. But our doors held firm,” he said, adding that there was also an attempt to shoot open the gate to the neighbouring Jewish cemetery.
Mr Privorotzki said about 70 or 80 people were inside at the time.
After apparently becoming frustrated at failing to get in, the suspect then allegedly shot into the street and killed a woman close to the synagogue, before killing a man in a local kebab shop.
Two people also suffered serious bullet wounds in the attack and were being operated on, a spokesman for the city’s hospital said.
Police say the man was arrested after fleeing the scene. He has not been officially named but local media suggest he is a 27-year-old German.
Initial reports suggested other people may have been involved, but a local police lockdown has now been lifted.
“According to the federal prosecutor there are sufficient indications for a possible right-wing extremist motive,” German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said.
One suspect was captured but with a manhunt ongoing for other perpetrators, security was tightened in synagogues in other eastern German cities while Halle itself was in lockdown.
Germany has been on high alert following several attacks in recent years, including some claimed by the Islamic State group, as well as neo-Nazi plots.
