Germany: Police confirm hostage situation ends at Altmarkt-Galerie mall in Dresden Dec. 10 /update 1

Event

Dresden police announced the resolution of a hostage situation at the Altmarkt-Galerie mall Dec. 10. Police gained access to a drugstore in the mall where the suspect had taken two hostages, freeing both unharmed. The suspect was injured and arrested. Roads in central Dresden remain closed and all bus and train services in the city center have been diverted.

Prior to the hostage situation, the suspect reportedly killed a relative in the Prohlis neighborhood and attempted to access Radio Dresden offices in Ammonhoff, shooting at a secured door in the process.

Officials will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence in the impact area in the coming hours. Emergency response operations will likely result in localized ground travel and business disruptions. Disruptions to public transport in the area are also likely if officials re-route scheduled services away from the incident site.

Advice

Exercise caution in or near the impacted area in the coming hours. Plan for short-term localized ground travel disruptions. Heed all instructions from security personnel. Remain calm and nonconfrontational, and comply with authorities' directions.