Deadly Bar Shooting in Göppingen: Syrian Suspect Arrested
On October 2, 2023, a 29-year-old man was fatally shot inside a bar in Göppingen, Germany. Two other men were also injured in the shooting. Police and prosecutors have arrested a 17-year-old Syrian suspect in connection with the incident.
Suspect Arrested in Ludwigsburg
Special forces apprehended the suspect on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in the Ludwigsburg district. According to the prosecutor’s office and police, the suspect faces charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Upon arrest, the suspect did not provide a statement regarding the allegations.
Suspect Resided in Germany for Years
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect, who hails from Syria, has lived in Germany for several years. The prosecutor’s office declined to provide additional details about the suspect or the murder weapon, citing the ongoing investigation and the juvenile suspect’s rights.
Possible Connection to Criminal Feud
Investigators are examining a potential link between the Göppingen shooting and an ongoing feud between criminal groups in the Stuttgart area. Since mid-2022, this feud has led to several violent incidents involving firearms.
Escalation and Tensions
The feud involves two rival groups: one based in Esslingen, Plochingen, and Ludwigsburg, and the other in Göppingen and Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The conflict has escalated significantly, culminating in a grenade attack on a mourning crowd in Altbach in March 2023.
Altbach Grenade Attack
An Iranian suspect threw a hand grenade into a group of mourners at a funeral service in Altbach, injuring at least 15 people. A tree branch deflected the grenade’s trajectory, potentially preventing numerous casualties. The perpetrator was convicted of 15 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Over 90 Arrests in Feud
According to the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), over 90 individuals have been detained in connection with the ongoing feud. The LKA estimates that both groups once comprised over 500 members, including supporters, followers, and leaders.
Elusive Motives and Lack of Cooperation
Understanding the motives behind the criminal behavior has proven challenging, and the suspects have shown little willingness to provide information. The LKA describes the feud as a novel phenomenon, characterized by escalating violence triggered by mutual insults, territorial disputes, and a perceived "crime as lifestyle" mentality.
Ongoing Investigation
The Göppingen shooting investigation is ongoing, with police and prosecutors gathering evidence and examining the suspect’s connections. The potential link to the Stuttgart criminal feud remains under scrutiny.
