Police shoot knife attacker in Wangen – shock in Göppingen!

Police shoot knife attacker in Wangen – shock in Göppingen!

Wangen near Stuttgart was the scene of a tragic incident today in which a 27-year-old man was shot by police. The man was a convicted felon and was due to be taken into custody for a bodily harm offence. During the arrest, he pulled out a knife and attacked the police officers, resulting in a fatal shooting. Despite attempts at resuscitation on site, the man died from his injuries. A police officer was seriously injured and suffered multiple cuts, but his life is not in danger. This situation again raises questions about the dangers of knife attacks and the use of firearms by police.

The police secured the crime scene for evidence. The Ulm public prosecutor's office and the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office have taken over the investigation. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl expressed concern about the increasing dangers of knife attacks in the region

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Increase in the use of firearms by the police

The incident in Wangen is not isolated. In 2025, there have already been seven cases in Baden-Württemberg in which police officers had to use their firearms. In the previous year, 2024, 13 cases were registered in which not only people were injured, but three people were also killed. Fatal police shootings are rare in Germany, but they often affect people in exceptional psychological situations. This reports RND.

The legal basis for the use of firearms is anchored in the police laws of the federal states and a federal law. Police officers are allowed to fire shots to prevent the commission of crimes or the escape of a perpetrator. Particularly strict hurdles apply to potentially fatal shots, which may only be used as a last resort to avert a threat to life. Jochen Kopelke, federal chairman of the police union, warns of the need to act quickly, especially if a knife is involved.

Police scientist Rafael Behr, however, criticizes the current police doctrine, which sees the use of firearms as the only defensive measure in knife attacks. He calls for more training for police officers in dealing with complex situations and suggests that this training includes, among other things, internships in psychiatric facilities. The use of less lethal means such as Tasers could also provide a solution in threatening situations to reduce the need to use firearms.

The incident in Wangen once again leads to an urgent discussion about the safety of police officers and citizens and about the appropriate handling of violent situations. State institutions are faced with the challenge of developing effective measures to ensure the safety of both emergency services and citizens. It remains to be hoped that the ongoing investigations will lead to a comprehensive clarification of the events.