German synagogue shooting was far-right terror, justice minister says

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  A shooting at a synagogue in the German city of Halle on Wednesday was a far-right terror attack, said Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht.

Alleged perpetrator Stephan Balliet had four kilos (9lb) of explosives in his car, Ms Lambrecht said in a statement with attorney-general Peter Frank.

Mr Frank said the gunman had been planning a massacre.

The suspect, 27, faces two counts of murder and nine counts of attempted murder, German media report.

The German national is due to appear in court on Thursday afternoon.

Prosecutors allege he intended to create a “worldwide effect” by deliberately mimicking tactics used during a mass shooting at two New Zealand mosques earlier this year.

Reports say the gunman also tried to set off explosives at the synagogue.

Witnesses say he was heavily armed, and an online anti-Semitic “manifesto” attributed to him shows guns, apparently home-made.

Survivors say they hid behind the synagogue’s heavy locked doors until police arrived, which took more than 10 minutes.