German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his condolences after six adults were shot dead at a youth care centre in the northern German city of Stade on Monday.
Merz wrote on X: "The news from Stade is deeply shocking," adding that many people "who wanted to help and protect others" had been killed or wounded.
"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families," he added, also thanking police officers for their swift response to the incident.
Police said six employees of the youth care centre were killed in the attack, which took place on Monday. According to investigators, initial findings suggest the likely motive behind the attack stems from a dispute over child custody.
Police added that the suspect, a 45-year-old man born in Germany of Turkish origin, was arrested later that same afternoon while attempting to flee.