On the morning of March 3, 2025, at approximately 9:15 AM, police forces were deployed to the Neue Oberschule gymnasium in Braunschweig following the triggering of an Amok-Alarm (a violent incident alert), which led to the evacuation of around 1,000 students and staff. This alarm was the result of multiple calls to emergency services, prompting swift and specialized police action.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement personnel immediately implemented standard emergency protocols, securing the school building and conducting comprehensive searches of the premises. The entire operation was led by Polizei Braunschweig, whose spokesperson later confirmed to various outlets, including X, the social media service, the initiation of precautionary measures due to the alarm's nature.
"Die Evakuierung sowie die Absuche der Schule sind beendet," police officials announced, confirming the completion of the evacuation and searches. The police also assured the public, "Es konnte keine Gefahr festgestellt werden und bestand zu keiner Zeit!" which translates to, "No danger has been identified, and there was never any!" This reassuring information was provided to quell fears following the alarm.
The police maintained active communication throughout the event, advising the public to stay clear of the area to avoid interfering with emergency services. Journalists and onlookers were urged to maintain distance, allowing officials to perform their duties unfettered.
During the response, the police coordinated with emergency services and established a gathering point for students and parents at the nearby Gliesmaroder Bahnhof (train station), ensuring there was ample support provided by emergency counselors. Notably, officials reported no injuries resulted from the incident.
Traffic was heavily impacted around the gymnasium during the operation, causing significant delays and prompting officials to request the creation of emergency lanes for vehicles. After lengthy searches and assessments, the situation was declared safe by 12 PM.
This incident at Neue Oberschule is not isolated; just weeks before, Braunschweig experienced another false alarm at Hohestieg Grundschule. That event similarly resulted in extensive police involvement but concluded without incident—indicating a pattern of heightened alertness to potential threats against educational institutions within the area.
Responses from police indicated they would continue their investigation to ascertain the root cause of the alarm. Such measures are significant, reflecting the seriousness with which these situations are treated, even when no tangible threat is present.
While alarms like these can evoke panic and concern, officials have expressed the importance of vigilance and rapid response. The efficacy of the emergency system, demonstrated by the rapid mobilization and clear communication strategies, reflects the systematic approach taken by police when faced with reports of potential threats.
The community is now awaiting more updates to clarify the reasons behind this alarm, as investigations continue. The incident serves as both a reminder of the need for preparedness and the impact of technology and communication channels on public safety responses.
Overall, Polizei Braunschweig's handling of the situation, from evacuation to confirmed safety declarations, exemplifies the structured operations enforced within the local law enforcement to manage such alarming instances effectively.