A 16-year-old boy attacked Welfen Gymnasium in Schongau, Bavaria, on July 8, 2026, injuring two 13-year-old girls, authorities said [1, 2, 3]. The suspect was armed with both a firearm and a knife, but the firearm malfunctioned. He then stabbed the two girls who were hospitalized; their lives were not in danger [2, 3].
German Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed the suspect had received psychiatric treatment in the past [3]. The suspect, described by police as the perpetrator of a deliberate "mad assault" on the school, was reportedly a Croatian national living with his parents [1, 3].
The suspect was subdued by teachers and police and arrested at the scene [2]. German police said a large-scale operation was underway, deploying many officers to the location [1].
Emergency services received the initial call at 12:50 p.m. on July 8 and police quickly arrived at the scene [2]. Authorities disputed whether the victims were wounded by gunfire. Police indicated the firearm malfunctioned and no shots were fired; the injuries came from the knife. Another source said it remained unclear exactly how the victims were hurt [2, 3].
Authorities continue investigating the attack and the suspect’s background as they work to determine the motive.
