Police responded to an Amok alarm at the Gymnasium Neue Oberschule located on Beethovenstraße in Braunschweig early Monday morning, March 3, 2025, at approximately 9:15 AM. According to the police spokesperson, the alarm was triggered and immediately initiated a large-scale emergency response.
Shortly after the alarm was sounded, emergency services arrived at the scene to carry out their standard emergency response protocols. This involved systematically searching the school building for any threats or signs of danger. "Gegen 9.15 Uhr wurde dort Alarm ausgelöst," the police spokeswoman confirmed, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
During this time, about 1,000 students were evacuated from the premises and relocated to the Gliesmaroder Bahnhof, which served as the designated gathering point and information centre for parents and witnesses. The police urged the public to avoid the area to allow first responders to carry out their duties effectively, stating, Es konnte keine Gefahr festgestellt werden und bestand zu keiner Zeit! Wir ermitteln die Ursache des ausgelösten Alarms. This was announced via social media channels shortly before 12:10 PM when the situation was officially declared safe.
The emergency response led to significant traffic disruptions around the school, particularly on Hans-Sommer-Straße. Police officials had to manage these disruptions, reminding residents to keep emergency lanes clear for first responders.
During the search, law enforcement officials maintained open lines of communication with concerned parents, setting up the information point at Gliesmaroder Bahnhof. Here, they provided updates and reassurance to families, with emergency chaplains also attending to support those affected.
Following the thorough search of the school building, which concluded around noon, the police confirmed there was no immediate threat to the students or staff. A police presence continued at the school as investigators now work to determine how the alarm was triggered initially.
This incident is not the first of its kind for Braunschweig, as just weeks prior, another alarm at the Grundschule Hohestieg was similarly deemed to be a false alarm. Such events raise concerns over school safety, and the police emphasized their commitment to taking all alarms seriously, stating the necessity of following their well-prepared emergency response procedures.
The Gymnasium Neue Oberschule, which typically educates more than 1,100 students, managed to evacuate all students safely, allowing parents to collect their children from the designated area. This collaborative effort between the police and school administration was implemented quickly and effectively.
When the alarm was triggered, the situation created heightened tension throughout the community. While no real threat existed, police maintained strict adherence to their operational protocols to protect students and staff, reiterate protocols, and build public trust.
Local officials echo these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proper precautions when it concerns school environments. The emotional impact of Amok alarms is significant, and law enforcement remains focused on not only quick responses but also preventive measures to mitigate panic and anxiety surrounding these frightening situations.
Emergencies like the one at Gymnasium Neue Oberschule remind communities of the importance of preparedness and responsiveness. With police now investigating the cause behind the false alarm, it remains to be seen how schools and authorities will adjust future protocols to prevent similar occurrences. While the morning began with tension and uncertainty, the all-clear from law enforcement provided much-needed relief for students, parents, and staff alike, ending the day on a more positive note.