TRAVEL ADVISORY – Shooting Attack in Munich Shopping Centre

Key Points

• At least 9 people were killed and 21 others were wounded in an active shooter incident at a busy shopping mall in Munich.
  

• The attack sparked a heavy police operation before the attacker committed suicide.

Situation Summary. On the 22^nd July 2016 a lone gunman started shooting outside a McDonald’s at the Olympia mall in Munich. At least 9 people were killed and a further 21 were wounded. Police had initially thought that there were three attackers, sparking a heavy police operation however only one attacker has been confirmed. The attacker was later found dead in a side street appearing to have committed suicide. The motives of the attack are unclear and no group has claimed responsibility. Police closed public transport during that attack which has now reopened.

Intrinsic Comment. The method of attack is in line with previous tactics employed by so-called “lone-wolf” terrorists. There have been a series of terrorist incidents involving lone attackers in recent weeks. The attack follows an attack on a German train in which passengers were stabbed and an attack in Nice where a truck was driven through a large crowd, in both incidents the attacker seemingly acted alone. In June a similar attack took place in the US when a lone attacker killed 49 people after opening fire inside a nightclub. The attack is the latest in a long history of “lone-wolf” and “active shooter” attacks;

• On March 2^nd, 2011 a man shot dead two US soldiers at Frankfurt Airport.
• On July 22^nd, 2011 Anders Breivik killed 69 people in a mass shooting on the Norwegian island of Utoya.
• On December 2^nd, 2015 a married couple shot dead 14 people in San Bernadino, California.
• On June 12^th, 2016 Omar Mateen killed 49 people after opening fire inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Munich – Practical Travel Advice.  In the short term see below some practical travel advice:

• Avoid Olympia Mall. Police investigations will now commence at the attack site within Munich. Avoid the vicinity of this location where possible. The metro has now reopened however be aware of possible disturbances to public transport.
• Expect and plan for travel disruption. If travelling through or to Munich expect travel disruption short term. Increased security may cause delays. Travellers in the area should consider alternative travel arrangements where possible.
• Maintain heightened security awareness in Munich. Staff in Munich should maintain increased vigilance. Adopt sensible security measures to minimise risk when out and about including the monitoring of local media sources and following all security force instructions.
• Expect protests over coming days. Protests can be expected in Munich and across Germany in line with previous attacks. These events can serve as a further target for attack. Travellers are advised to avoid protest sites and large crowds due to the fluid nature of these situations.
• Intrinsic remains available to advise further and continues to issue relevant alerting and travel advisory notices. 

General Security Advice – Mass Shootings Incidents. Mass shootings and “lone-wolf” attacks are increasingly common. It is advisable to be informed of sensible actions which can be undertaken to improve safety. If in a location where gunfire or explosions are heard, leave the area or building by any safe and available exit immediately. If unable to do so, find suitable cover or barricade yourself in a room. Inform emergency services or someone who is able to do it for you. Once police arrive, comply with their instructions and do not make any sudden movements.

RUN HIDE TELL Guidance – The United Kingdom Government currently advises those caught up in incidents of this nature to adopt the RUN HIDE TELL guidance.  See full details at this Link.

Intrinsic are travel risk management specialists, offering a range of security services including travel advisories, pre-travel planning, travel tracking, risk mitigation measures and 24/7 emergency security and medical assistance. For further details contact  +44 (0)1243 621 007 or email info@intrinsicassistance.com