Donaueschingen, Germany - An Amok alarm triggered at the Gewerblichen Schulen in Donaueschingen on the morning of March 25, 2025, led to a significant police response, but fortunately, the alarm turned out to be a false one.
At approximately 9:30 AM, authorities received the alarm alert, initiating an emergency response that saw police arriving at the scene in large numbers. The Gewerblichen Schulen, which cater to several hundred students, were immediately evacuated as precautionary measures.
Police spokesperson Daniel Brill confirmed that the alarm was activated via a button at the school premises. "Um 9.33 Uhr ging der Alarm über einen Amok-Alarm-Knopf in der Schule ein," he stated. (Translated: "The alarm was triggered via an Amok alarm button in the school at 9:33 AM."). As the situation unfolded, it was quickly determined that there was no real threat to anyone present. "Nach derzeitigen Erkenntnissen handelt es sich um einen Fehlalarm. Es besteht KEINE Gefahr für die anwesenden Personen," police reported, affirming that the situation was under control.
In a coordinated effort, law enforcement officers swept through the school buildings, checking room by room for any potential dangers. The police effort ensured that all individuals, including students and staff, were brought to safety. Evacuated students were gathered at a safe location on Eichendorffstraße Ecke Bräunliner Straße, where they were accounted for and remained calm during the unfolding incident. An 18-year-old painting apprentice named Raya Diesler recounted, "Wir sind alle ruhig rausgegangen," describing the evacuation as orderly. (Translated: "We all left calmly.")
The swift police response included several emergency vehicles, and while the atmosphere was tense initially, the situation quickly transitioned as the police began to confirm the absence of any threats. By around 11 AM, police concluded that the incident was indeed a false alarm, declaring, "Wir haben bislang aber keinerlei Hinweise darauf, dass es eine Bedrohung gibt," further easing the concerns of parents and the community. (Translated: "We have no indications that there is any threat to report so far.")
The police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the activation of the alarm. There are speculations surrounding the cause, including possibilities of a technical malfunction or human error. Authorities are collaborating with the alarm company's operating personnel to ensure such incidents can be avoided in the future. Police mentioned, "Wir werden nun zusammen mit der Betreiberfirma des Alarmgeräts prüfen," stressing their commitment to clarity on what occurred. (Translated: "We will now check with the operating company of the alarm device.")
As the situation stabilized, classes for roughly 400 students had to be suspended. Officials indicated that teaching could resume later in the day, allowing both students and staff to return to normalcy after an unexpected morning disruption. Families, community members, and local authorities are all relieved that the incident ended without injury or panic.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in schools and the methodical responses from law enforcement during potential crises. The proactive measures taken by the police reflect their readiness and responsibility to protect the community, reinforcing the need for vigilance in maintaining secure educational environments. As the community reflects on this event, the hope remains that thorough investigations ensure continued safety for students and staff alike.
