Memorial Service Planned After Deadly School Attack in Gosen-neu Zittau

Pastor Carsten Schwarz told the German Press Agency "We want to offer space to address the questions and the laments, but also to pray for others." He added, "It leaves one speechless and stunned, while emphasizing, "We will not be able to provide explanations or answers to the questions. The focus, he said, is on a place of silence and mourning, as well as an opportunity for conversation. A 19-year-old German man is suspected of killing an 18-year-old female student and a 30-year-old daycare educator at a private school in Gosen-Neu Zittau, in eastern Brandenburg, on Thursday.

He faces charges of double murder and has been placed in pre-trial detention, according to police. Prosecutors said the student was the suspect's ex-girlfriend, and the educator reportedly tried to help her. The weapon is believed to have been a knife.

The memorial service at the Evangelical Church in Neu Zittau at 5:00 p.m. will include music, a psalm prayer, a short reflection, and intercessions. A black cloth will be spread out, on which people can light tea candles, the pastor said. If more visitors arrive than the church can hold, the service may be broadcast outside as well.

A funeral service is planned for Thursday, September 3, at the Docemus private school, followed by a memorial with a minute of silence in front of the school on Friday. Mayor Frank Nakoinz (BVB/Freie Wähler) asked media representatives on Facebook to stay away from the events out of respect for the deceased, their relatives, and all mourners.