September 24, 2011.(Romereports.com) (-ONLY VIDEO-) According to German media reports, roughly two hours before pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass in Erfurt, a man shot a police officer near the city's Cathedral. The officer was less than a mile away from the plaza, where the celebration was to take place. The policeman was not seriously injured. The suspect was arrested. Despite the early commotion, Mass was celebrated as planned. The pope followed his set schedule by later heading to Freiburg.
UPDATE:
Roughly five hours after the altercation, the 30 year old German suspect was released from custody. At that point, the pope had already left Erfurt. The victim was a private security guard, not a policeman, as was first reported. He suffered mild injuries.
The assailant is accused of firing four shots from the window of an apartment located about 550 yards from the altar area, roughly two hours before Mass was celebrated. The weapon used was a BB gun. Police forcibly entered the apartment where the shots were fired from, and arrested the alleged assailant.
After being released, the suspect said he was “embarrassed” by what happened. Police later said the incident was not connected to the pope's visit.
Benedict XVI is reportedly among the five people who run the highest risk of being attacked in the world. During Germany's trip there were 5,800 security officers on duty.
BR/KLH
