Overview
- A member of the Federal Police special unit GSG 9 was shot dead during a live-fire exercise after a participant reportedly loaded live ammunition instead of dummy rounds.
- Police and the public prosecutor say early findings point to an accidental mix-up of training and sharp ammunition rather than an intentional act.
- Authorities have opened a criminal investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide against the officer who fired, and the procedure is still open.
- The incident took place at the Bundeswehr Putlos training area, a site used for complex drills that allows various live-fire and scenario-based exercises.
- The death has prompted scrutiny of ammunition-handling rules and training safety for specialist units, and officials have signaled possible procedural reviews to prevent similar accidents.