2018 Cologne attack
{{Short description|Hostage crisis in Cologne, Germany}}
File:Köln Hbf, Eingang Breslauer Platz mit McDonalds und Bahnhofsapotheke-8754.jpg
The 2018 Cologne attack was an attack and subsequent hostage-taking that occurred at the central railway station of Cologne, Germany, on 15 October 2018.
Incident
On Monday, 15 October 2018 at 12:30 German time, the Syrian refugee Mohammed Abo R. entered a McDonald's fast food restaurant at the Cologne Central Station with a bag and a suitcase. In the restaurant, he sat down at a table, drew a pistol, and spilled a flammable liquid on the floor. Shortly thereafter, he took a Molotov cocktail from his suitcase, ignited it and set the floor of the restaurant on fire.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bild.de/regional/koeln/koeln-aktuell/geiselnahme-in-hauptbahnhof-koeln-neue-pressekonferenz-57864144.bild.html|title=Geiselnahme in Hauptbahnhof Köln: Verbranntes Mädchen muss operiert werden|website=bild.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/koeln-geiselnahme-taeter-1.4172908|title=Köln: Geiselnehmer präparierte Gasflaschen|last=Stegemann|first=Jana|website=Süddeutsche.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-02}}
The fire ignited the clothes of a 14-year-old German girl, who ran out of the restaurant in a panic. Passersby quickly extinguished the girl's burning clothes, who, despite the rapid reaction of the passersby, suffered severe burns to her legs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article184593536/Geiselnahme-in-Koeln-14-jaehriges-Opfer-spricht-ueber-die-Tat.html|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: 14-jähriges Opfer spricht über die Tat|last=WELT|date=2018-11-28|access-date=2019-10-02}} Surprised by the triggered fire sprinkler system, Mohammed had meanwhile fled the fast food restaurant and, armed with his gun, stormed into an adjacent pharmacy, where he took an employee hostage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/koeln-fakten-zur-geiselnahme-im-hauptbahnhof-a-1233446.html|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: Was wir wissen - und was nicht|date=2018-10-16|work=Spiegel Online|access-date=2019-10-02}}
At 12:45 German time, the first emergency calls reached the police.{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/koeln-geiselnahme-im-hauptbahnhof-zugriff-in-der-apotheke-a-1233399.html|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: Zugriff mit zwei Blendgranaten|last=Ziegler|first=Jean-Pierre|date=2018-10-15|work=Spiegel Online|access-date=2019-10-02|last2=Eberle|first2=Lukas}} The police quickly evacuated the station and cordoned off the surrounding area.{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article182111108/Polizeigrosseinsatz-in-Koeln-Geiselnehmer-soll-gedroht-haben-Frau-anzuzuenden.html|title=Polizeigroßeinsatz in Köln: Geiselnehmer soll gedroht haben, Frau anzuzünden|last=WELT|date=2018-10-15|access-date=2019-10-02}} On the phone, the perpetrator stated his demands: Free passage to Syria, the release of a Tunisian woman, and the return of his suitcase and bag from the McDonald's. He claimed to be a member of ISIL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.de/koeln/ausnahmezustand-in-koeln-so-lief-das-geisel-drama-im-hauptbahnhof-ab-31442394|title=Ausnahmezustand in Köln: So lief das Geisel-Drama im Hauptbahnhof ab|last=Meyer|first=Oliver|date=2018-10-16|website=Express.de|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-10-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.derwesten.de/region/geiselnahme-koeln-hauptbahnhof-tunesierin-forderungen-is-id215576701.html|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: Diese Dinge forderte der Geiselnehmer von der Polizei|last=derwesten.de|first=DerWesten-|date=2018-10-16|website=www.derwesten.de|access-date=2019-10-02}}
A two-hour standoff led to no peaceful solution. The perpetrator in the meanwhile, had poured gasoline over his hostage, put a Molotov cocktail in her hand, and a lighter in her mouth. When he tried to set her on fire, the police attacked. At 14:55 German time, a SEK team detonated two stun grenades, stormed the pharmacy, and shot the perpetrator, who was still armed with his pistol. Three police officers fired a total of six rounds at Mohammed, of which several hit his upper body and one hit him in the head.{{Cite web|url=https://www.spiegel.de/plus/koeln-geiselnahme-im-hauptbahnhof-in-letzter-sekunde-a-052903ee-fe46-45e3-8696-ff506582d530|title=Köln - Geiselnahme im Hauptbahnhof: In letzter Sekunde|last=ONLINE|first=SPIEGEL|website=SPIEGEL Plus - Das Premium-Angebot des SPIEGEL|language=de|access-date=2019-10-02}} The hostage was carried from the pharmacy and handed over to paramedics. Mohammed was dragged by the SEK Members to the square in front of the pharmacy, where CPR was applied and his wounds were treated by police medics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.hauptbahnhof-koeln-geiselnehmer-unter-kontrolle-eine-frau-verletzt.1a3699fc-94a4-4947-8b1d-056962f47212.html|title=Hauptbahnhof Köln: Geiselnehmer muss reanimiert werden – eine Frau verletzt|last=Germany|first=Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Stuttgart|website=stuttgarter-nachrichten.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/de/war-die-geiselnahme-in-k%C3%B6ln-ein-missgl%C3%BCckter-anschlag/a-45901561|title=War die Geiselnahme in Köln ein missglückter Anschlag? {{!}} DW {{!}} 15.10.2018|last=Welle (dw.com)|first=Deutsche|website=DW.COM|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-10-02}}
Victims
During the incident a total of three victims were wounded, some of them seriously
= The Hostage =
The hostage was treated in a clinic after the incident. She suffered a shock and a gasoline poisoning.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2018-10/koeln-hauptbahnhof-anschlag-geiselnahme-ermittlung|title=Kölner Hauptbahnhof: Was geschah in Köln?|last=ONLINE|first=ZEIT|date=2018-10-17|work=Die Zeit|access-date=2019-10-03|language=de-DE|issn=0044-2070}} On Wednesday, she was able to leave the hospital.{{Cite web|url=https://www.derwesten.de/region/koeln-hauptbahnhof-geiselnahme-feuer-terror-isis-id215570009.html|title=Geiseldrama am Kölner Hauptbahnhof +++ Ermittler: "Die Sprengwirkung wäre ungeheuerlich gewesen"|last=derwesten.de|first=DerWesten-|date=2018-10-16|website=www.derwesten.de|access-date=2019-10-03}}
= Lika M. =
The 14-year-old German girl Lika M., whose clothes were caught on fire by R.´s Molotov cocktail, was seriously injured. 10 percent of her skin was burned.{{Cite web|url=https://www.derwesten.de/region/anschlag-koeln-hauptbahnhof-mcdonalds-id215828641.html|title=Lika M. (14) wurde Opfer des Anschlags im Hauptbahnhof Köln – so geht es ihr jetzt|last=derwesten.de|first=DerWesten-|date=2018-11-19|website=www.derwesten.de|access-date=2019-10-03}} She was treated in a children's hospital in Cologne. Eight surgeries and two skin transplants later she was able to leave the hospital in December 2018. Doctors expect her to make a full recovery.{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article184593536/Geiselnahme-in-Koeln-14-jaehriges-Opfer-spricht-ueber-die-Tat.html|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: 14-jähriges Opfer spricht über die Tat|last=WELT|date=2018-11-28|access-date=2019-10-03}}
= Another Victim =
Investigation
= Crime Scene Investigation =
In the McDonald's, the bag and suitcase of the perpetrator were examined and declared safe by EOD Operators. Further Molotov cocktails, containers with a flammable liquid and several IEDs were found in the bags. The IEDs were gas cartridges modified with steel balls for maximum destruction.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waz.de/region/polizei-koeln-veroeffentlicht-ein-foto-und-bittet-um-hilfe-id215578329.html|title=Polizei zeigt nach Geiselnahme in Köln Foto von Koffer|date=2018-10-16|website=www.waz.de|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-10-03}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/panorama/geiselnahme-von-koeln-extremes-glueck/23199364.html|title=Extremes Glück|website=www.tagesspiegel.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-03}} In the pharmacy the investigators found further containers with flammable liquid and further IEDs. Furthermore, an airsoft pistol and an identity document were seized.{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/koeln-geiselnahme-polizei-schliesst-terroristischen-hintergrund-nicht-aus-a-1233437.html|title=Geiselnahme am Kölner Hauptbahnhof: Polizei schließt terroristischen Hintergrund nicht aus|date=2018-10-15|work=Spiegel Online|access-date=2019-10-03}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.n-tv.de/panorama/Taeter-von-Koeln-ist-identifiziert-article20674190.html|title=Täter von Köln ist identifiziert|last=NACHRICHTEN|first=n-tv|website=n-tv.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-03}}
= Search of the Perpetrator's Apartment =
In the evening of the same day, R.'s apartment was stormed and searched by the police. This happened especially in view of a possible terrorist attack and other perpetrators. Large quantities of gasoline and Arabic characters were found in the apartment. The characters are not related to Islamism or ISIL. Multiple electronic devices were seized in the apartment including two mobile phones.
= Terrorism =
In the beginning terrorism was a possible motive. During the investigation kept going no evidence of relations between Mohammed Abo R. and terrorism were found. The case was ruled non terrorism related.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2018-10/koeln-hauptbahnhof-geiselnahme-taeter-terroristischer-hintergrund|title=Kölner Hauptbahnhof: Geiselnehmer von Köln hatte wohl kein islamistisches Motiv|last=ONLINE|first=ZEIT|date=2018-10-26|work=Die Zeit|access-date=2019-10-03|language=de-DE|issn=0044-2070}}
= Mental health issues =
After terrorism was ruled out, it was determined that Mohammed suffered from mental health issues. They found that he had been in psychotherapy since 2017 and was taking medication to combat depression. He was also suffering from gambling and drug addiction.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2018-12/koeln-hauptbahnhof-geiselnahme-brandanschlag-islamistischer-anschlag|title=Kölner Hauptbahnhof: Geiselnahme offenbar nicht islamistisch motiviert|last=ONLINE|first=ZEIT|date=2018-12-14|work=Die Zeit|access-date=2019-10-03|language=de-DE|issn=0044-2070}}
Legal proceedings
Police stated that they could not rule out a terror attack.[https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article182111108/Polizeigrosseinsatz-Geiselnahme-im-Koelner-Hauptbahnhof-beendet-Taeter-wurde-reanimiert.html Geiselnehmer soll gedroht haben, Frau anzuzünden], Welt.de[https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/kriminalitaet/geiselnahme-am-koelner-hauptbahnhof-beendet-15838841.html Geiselnahme in Köln könnte terroristischen Hintergrund haben], Frankfurter Allgemeine The Cologne prosecutor's office charged Mohammed Abo R. with two counts of attempted murder, aggravated battery and hostage-taking.{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article182181300/Geiselnahme-in-Koeln-Taeter-identifiziert-Haftbefehl-erlassen.html|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: Täter identifiziert – Haftbefehl erlassen|last=WELT|date=2018-10-16|access-date=2019-10-03}} On 16 October 2018, the Public Prosecutor General took over investigations because there were "sufficient indications for a radical Islamist background."[https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/koeln-geiselnahme-111.html Hinweise auf islamistisches Motiv], Tagesschau.de, 17 October 2018 During the investigation no evidence for a terror related attack were found. In December 2018 the Public Prosecutor General gave the case back to the Cologne prosecutor's office. The investigation is still ongoing.
In June 2019, his pre-trial detention was suspended for six months and he was transferred to a specialist neurological clinic. Experts assume that Mohammed's stay at the clinic will allow him to recover to the point where he can participate in the trial.{{Cite web|url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/wegen-metallsplitter-in-schaedeldecke-geiselnehmer-von-koeln-aus-der-u-haft-in-klinik-verlegt_id_10831798.html|title=Geiselnehmer von Köln aus der U-Haft in Klinik verlegt|website=FOCUS Online|language=de|access-date=2019-10-03}}
Perpetrator
The perpetrator was named as Mohammad Abo R.,[https://www.ksta.de/koeln/geiselnahme-in-koeln-mohammad-abo-r--war-ein-abgezockter-betrueger-31466630 Geiselnahme in Köln Mohammad Abo R. war ein abgezockter Betrüger], Kölner Stadtanzeiger, 20 October 2018 a 55-year-old man of Arab, reportedly Syrian origin. He entered Europe during the peak of the European migrant crisis and was first intercepted by the authorities of the Czech Republic in early 2015. He filed an asylum application in the Czech Republic but then moved to Germany, where he filed an asylum application in March 2015. Under the Dublin Regulation, the German authorities should have expelled him to the Czech Republic, but they did not do so.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rundschau-online.de/region/koeln/frist-versaeumt-geiselnehmer-vom-hauptbahnhof-haette-abgeschoben-werden-koennen-31460910|title=Frist versäumt Geiselnehmer vom Hauptbahnhof hätte abgeschoben werden können|date=2018-10-18|access-date=2018-10-19|language=de}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.novinky.cz/zahranicni/evropa/486578-syran-ktery-utocil-v-koline-nad-rynem-se-registroval-v-cesku.html|title=Syřan, který útočil v Kolíně nad Rýnem, se registroval v Česku |date=2018-10-19|access-date=2018-10-19|language=cs}} He was given permission to stay in Germany until 2021.
Abo R. was known to the police. He had been charged 13 times since 2016, the charges included drug possession, theft, threat, fraud and trespassing. He was never convicted.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-online.de/-/84622002|title=Täter hätte "immensen Schaden" verursachen können|website=www.t-online.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-03}}
= Wounds =
Mohammed was wounded by several shots, several projectiles hit him in the upper body and one projectile hit him in the head. He was carried by the SEK officers from the pharmacy to the square in front of the pharmacy where he was resuscitated by the officers and a female GSG9 doctor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/de/geiselnahme-in-k%C3%B6ln-hinweis-auf-syrischen-t%C3%A4ter/a-45893353|title=Geiselnahme in Köln - Hinweis auf syrischen Täter {{!}} DW {{!}} 15.10.2018|last=Welle (dw.com)|first=Deutsche|website=DW.COM|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-10-03}} After successful resuscitation, Mohammed was taken to the University Hospital of Cologne, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was later transferred to intensive care.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/koeln-geiselnahme-taeter-1.4171943|title=Geiselnahme in Köln: Täter auf der Intensivstation|last=Zeitung|first=Süddeutsche|website=Süddeutsche.de|language=de|access-date=2019-10-03}} On Tuesday, his condition remained critical. In a press conference on Wednesday, the police announced that the perpetrator was no longer in a life threatening condition, but was in a coma.
Two months after the incident, Mohammed woke up from the coma.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ksta.de/koeln/geiselnahme-am-koelner-hauptbahnhof-mutmasslicher-attentaeter-ist-aus-dem-koma-erwacht-31746920|title=Geiselnahme am Kölner Hauptbahnhof: Mutmaßlicher Attentäter ist aus dem Koma erwacht|last=Stinauer|first=Tim|date=2018-12-14|website=Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-10-03}} He was later transferred to the prison hospital of North Rhine-Westphalia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de/region/koeln-und-rheinland/koelner-geiselnehmer-in-fachklinik-verlegt_aid-44062689|title=Haft für halbes Jahr ausgesetzt: Kölner Geiselnehmer in Fachklinik verlegt|last=BONN|first=GA|website=GA BONN|language=de|access-date=2019-10-03}} Due to the gunshot wounds Mohammed is paralyzed on one side and must be artificially fed, fragments of the bullet are still stuck in his skull. According to a medical report, he is not able to take part in a court trial in his current condition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ksta.de/koeln/koelner-hauptbahnhof-geiselnehmer-muss-sich-vorerst-nicht-vor-gericht-verantworten-32430864|title=Kölner Hauptbahnhof: Geiselnehmer muss sich vorerst nicht vor Gericht verantworten|last=Spilcker|first=Axel|date=2019-04-26|website=Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-10-03}}
Reactions
See also
- 2018 Cologne terrorist plot a foiled plot earlier the same year