Police Search for Armed Man After Christmas Market Evacuation in Duderstadt
A precautionary increase in police presence will continue in Duderstadt, Germany, following the evacuation of a Christmas market on Friday evening due to reports of a potentially armed individual. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect and have appealed to the public for assistance.
On Friday, December 12, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, police received an emergency call reporting a possible dangerous situation unfolding in the city center of Duderstadt, located in southern Lower Saxony. Acting on this information, officers swiftly cleared the Christmas market, which at the time held an estimated 120 people.
The subsequent investigation, which continued late into Saturday night, involved extensive interviews with multiple witnesses. According to police reports, the majority of those interviewed reported observing a man, believed to be between 17 and 20 years old and approximately 170 to 178 cm tall, carrying what appeared to be a long gun. Witnesses described the individual as having dark, slightly tousled hair and wearing dark clothing.
“The witness accounts corresponded to the initial report,” a senior official stated, confirming the consistency of the information received. However, despite an immediate and comprehensive search – including the deployment of a police helicopter – the suspected armed man remains at large.
Crucially, authorities have not yet determined whether the object observed was a genuine weapon or a realistic imitation. “Whether it was a real weapon or an apparent weapon could not be clarified through the interviews,” the Göttingen police station confirmed in a press release issued Saturday morning. The motive behind the individual’s presence with the potential weapon is also currently unknown.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident, or even the individual in question, to come forward and contact the Duderstadt police at 05527/8641-0. Despite the ongoing search, authorities have emphasized that no specific threat has been identified.
“In addition to extensive investigations…the police presence in Duderstadt will be increased as a precaution in the next few days,” stated Marco Hansmann, head of the Göttingen police station. However, Hansmann also assured the public that, after consultation with local officials, planned public events in the city center – including the market and a Christmas gathering – are expected to proceed as scheduled.
Authorities were quick to dismiss circulating rumors of bomb threats or other dangers, explicitly stating that these claims are “expressly not confirmed by the police.” A spokesperson urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from speculation, warning that “possible speculation or misinformation jeopardizes the overall investigation and would further limit the feeling of security.”
The investigation remains active, and police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Duderstadt community.
