(CNN) A gunman suspected of shooting nine people dead at two shisha bars in Germany is believed to have a far-right background, prosecutors said Thursday.
The shooting spree took place at multiple locations in Hanau, a city around (kilometers) 20 miles) east of Frankfurt, on Wednesday night.
Authorities believe the suspect, a 43 – year-old man, returned home after the rampage and shot himself. He was found dead in his apartment early Thursday morning along with the body of his 72 – year-old mother. Both had died from gunshot wounds, according to the region’s interior minister, Peter Beuth.
The total number of people killed – including the suspect – is , with another person seriously injured, added Beuth.
Federal prosecutors have now taken over the investigation and there are “indications of a right-wing extremist background,” Reuters reported, citing a spokesman for the prosecutors .
“The number of victims who were fatally injured at the crime scenes in Heumarkt and Kurt-Schumacher-Platz increased to nine, so that there are currently a total of eleven deaths, “police said.
The suspect left a confession letter and a video, according to CNN affiliate RTL, citing police. The apartment has been blocked off and searched by special forces, and police said there were no indications of other perpetrators.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel canceled a planned trip to city of Halle in the wake of the attack, and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
“In our thoughts are we with the people in #Hanau this morning, “Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert wrote on Twitter. “Deep sympathy goes to the families affected, who mourn the loss of their dead.”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings