Dead in attack and hostage-taking in Dresden, perpetrator deceased

A 40-year-old man who killed his mother on Saturday morning and then took two people hostage in the East German city of Dresden has died from injuries sustained during the police operation to end the hostage taking.

Police reported that the man killed his 62-year-old mother in an apartment building in the Prohlis district of Dresden. He later took an employee and a child hostage at a downtown mall. Authorities have evacuated the mall and surrounding areas. The two hostages were unharmed.

Before driving to the mall, the man had tried to enter the office building where radio Dresden is located, but failed. He then shot through a hole in the door, but employees had fled through another door. No one was injured.

The man’s motive is unclear. Police previously said they believe he had psychological problems.

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