Crime: Police investigate after shooting in Bielefeld

The security authorities are continuing to investigate the background to the shooting near the Bielefeld district court. The motive is still unclear, two suspects have been provisionally arrested. Whether there is a third is the subject of the investigation, said a police spokeswoman. The involvement of the two arrested has not yet been conclusively determined. According to police, a possible murder weapon was found. Four injured people are being treated in hospital and are in a stable condition.

The shooting triggered a major police operation on Wednesday. According to information from police sources, it was a targeted attack on people who had a connection to the criminal trial surrounding the death of former professional boxer Besar Nimani. Shortly before the shooting, another day of proceedings in this case had ended in the courthouse. Nimani was shot dead in Bielefeld's pedestrian zone a year ago.

The trial is taking place under strict security measures. The court building and the courtroom are secured by a riot police force. All visitors, co-plaintiffs and media representatives had to be searched before entering the courtroom.

According to the indictment by the Bielefeld public prosecutor's office, two men ambushed the former boxer on March 9, 2024 and fired 16 shots. The 38-year-old bled to death at the scene. The motive is still unclear. A 34-year-old man is accused of insidious murder in the case. He has not yet commented on the charge. Another suspect is still on the run.