Examination Continues ⁢in Oldenburg Police Shooting of 21-Year-Old

OLDENBURG, Germany (AP) — Authorities are analyzing video recordings,‍ cell phone⁣ data, ⁢and witness statements as they investigate the fatal police shooting of a 21-year-old man in ⁣Oldenburg. The public ‍prosecutor’s office confirmed the ‍ongoing evaluation of⁤ evidence,following initial ⁤reports in the news magazine “Spiegel” that suggested the recordings only offer shadowy glimpses ‍of the incident.

Investigators are also examining the mobile phone of the officer who discharged his weapon, according to⁤ a ⁢spokeswoman for‍ the public⁤ prosecutor. Police radio‍ communications from the night in question‍ are also being reviewed. Bodycam footage from the officers involved is‍ not available, as the devices‍ were⁢ reportedly ⁤not activated.

The public prosecutor has appealed to⁤ the public for assistance, urging anyone with details about the events of Saturday night into Sunday morning in downtown Oldenburg to contact the Delmenhorst police. The aim is to establish a comprehensive account of what transpired.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a ‍27-year-old ⁣police officer shot the 21-year-old German ⁣man around 2:40 a.m. on ⁣Easter Sunday, resulting in⁣ fatal injuries. The young man had allegedly fled from the city center following an altercation outside a discotheque. He was⁤ pursued ‍by⁢ several individuals after allegedly brandishing⁣ a knife.⁤ The public prosecutor stated that he then sheathed the knife⁢ and fled.

The man encountered police officers and allegedly used pepper spray. ⁤Subsequently, a⁤ 27-year-old officer fired five ‍shots at the 21-year-old, hitting him at least ⁣three times in the upper body, hip, and ⁤head. A fourth‍ shot reportedly grazed his thigh. The man died later in hospital.

Authorities have recovered the ⁤knife the⁤ man allegedly used to threaten his pursuers. The public prosecutor has refuted specific details circulating ⁤about the case.

Protest Planned Amid Calls for Openness

The incident has sparked⁢ widespread concern. ⁤The “Justice for Lorenz” alliance has organized⁢ a rally ‍in Oldenburg. The group is demanding a full and transparent investigation. The alliance expressed concerns that the shooting⁤ may have been racially motivated.

“Trust ⁤in the police has been massively shaken, especially for black people,” the alliance said in a press release. “This⁤ case not only‍ affects the family – he hits an entire community, an entire city.”

The alliance is calling for an self-reliant review of the ⁣police action and structural reforms. “It is indeed not enough to trust internal investigations. Too often cases like ⁢this have been swept under the carpet – that must not happen again,” the statement read.

Victim’s Background Under Scrutiny

According to reports, the deceased, Lorenz A.,⁢ had a prior record with law enforcement. He had‍ been subject to investigative proceedings related to assault, resisting arrest, robbery, and coercion.

Expert Criticizes Internal Investigation

Tobias Singelnstein,a criminology and criminal law ⁢professor,has criticized the Lower Saxony police’s internal investigation procedures. “Investigations by the neighboring office is the worst ⁢model that we have in ‍Germany,” Singelnstein said. He suggested specialized, independent departments are needed for such cases.

The 27-year-old officer involved in the shooting has been temporarily suspended, which is standard procedure in such cases. An investigation into⁤ potential manslaughter is being conducted by the Oldenburg ⁢public prosecutor’s office.‍ The Delmenhorst police are ⁢handling the investigation ⁤into the⁣ incident itself.