Two people were killed in a violent incident at a private school in Gosen-Neu Zittau, near Berlin, on Thursday, August 27, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. One victim was an 18-year-old female student at the school [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The other was a 30-year-old man who died while trying to intervene in the attack [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Some reports describe the man as a nursery worker or caretaker attached to the school [4].
A 19-year-old male suspect believed to be the ex-boyfriend of the female victim was detained by police at the scene [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Authorities secured the crime scene immediately after the attack, as confirmed by a police statement posted on social media: "We are currently securing the crime scene" [5].
Two additional people sustained injuries during the incident [2, 3]. Emergency services dispatched at least five ambulances and two helicopters to the location to provide urgent care [3].
Conflicting reports have emerged about the weapon used in the attack. Some sources indicate the suspect wielded a firearm, while others claim a knife was involved [3].
The school operates as a private institution combining primary, secondary, and nursery levels [1, 4, 5]. On August 28, 2026, the day after the attack, the school canceled regular classes but remained open to support students. Michael Kunz, the school’s managing director, said: "Although there will be no regular classes, the school will remain open for all students who wish to come. We want to provide them with a safe space where they can come together, talk to each other, and process what has happened. A ‘very careful’ decision will be made in coming days about how school life will be structured" [1].
