German President condemns Hanau gun attack on migrants

German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has condemned the Wednesday night Gun attack at a Hookah bar in Hanau, Germany. A suspect had opened fire at a bar killing three people, before driving to the neighborhood of Kesselstadt and opening fire at a second hookah bar, where five people died.

In a statement, the German President said: “I was horrified to learn of the terrorist act in Hanau. My deep grief and sympathy go out to the victims and their relatives. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. I stand by all people who are threatened by racist hatred. You are not alone. I am convinced that the vast majority of people in Germany condemn this act and all forms of racism, hatred and violence. We will not let up to stand up for peaceful coexistence in our country.”

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has also condemned the killing, calling it a “devastating crime.” “It is still too early for a final evaluation. Everything is being done to clear up the background of these horrible murders to the last detail. But at present there is much evidence that the perpetrator acted out of right-wing extremist, racist motives. Out of hatred against people of other origins, other beliefs or other outward appearances. Racism is a poison, hatred is a poison,” Merkel said.

German police told reporters that the suspect was found dead, alongside a dead body in his home, hours after killing 8 at two different hookah bars.
Hanau is 25 km east of Frankfurt, with a large percentage of the population being migrants.