Several shot dead in Germany after gunman opens fire at two shisha bars

On Wednesday night, several people were shot dead following what seemed to be a coordinated attack on two shisha bars in the western German town of Hanau. 

The man suspected of fatally shooting nine people and injuring many others was found dead at his home early on Thursday, just hours after the deadly attack took place. According to media reports, another dead body was found at the same address. No additional details have been revealed with regards to the suspected gunman but police seem to be sure that no other perpetrators were involved. 

"There are no indications that other suspects were involved. One of the two dead people found is highly likely the perpetrator," police said in a statement on Thursday. 

According to the BBC, the clientele at both shisha bars was predominantly Kurdish. The motive of the attacks has not yet been made clear, neither have the details of how the gunman died. 

An investigation is still ongoing to unravel more details on the identity of the gunman and victims who died during the deadly shooting. 

Can-Luca Frisenna, whose father and brother run one of the two bars attacked by the gunman, said he rushed to the scene after hearing the news. 

"I heard my father was affected and my little brother, they run the kiosk, I don't have much to do with it," said Frisenna, according to Reuters. "But then I saw them both - they were horrified and they were crying and everything. So everyone was shocked."

Media reports have been referencing the German tabloid newspaper Bild, saying the gunman had expressed extreme right-wing views in a confession letter he left behind. The newspaper has also said the suspect was a German citizen who had ammunition and gun magazines in his car. He also had a firearms hunting license. 

The increase in racist and discriminatory incidents taking place in European countries coincides with the rise of Islamophobic politicians ascending to power in the region. Though the attacks on the shisha bars aren't explicitly targeting Muslims, previous attacks on mosques in the country intentionally aimed to hurt Muslims. 

Islamophobic attitudes and attacks have been on the rise in Europe. Studies have actually revealed that a staggering number of Europeans do not want to coexist with Muslims and do not believe people who adhere to the faith can integrate into local communities. (People from Germany were among the participating countries in the study.) At the end of 2015, between 4.4 and 4.7 million Muslims were living in Germany. Despite their presence in the country, their inclusion in society hasn't been positive. The study revealed that 19 percent of non-Muslims questioned said they would not welcome Muslim neighbors. 

It seems as though the gunman assumed shisha bars are famous hang out spots for Arabs, many of whom are Muslim, but these are only speculations. Investigations should soon reveal the motive behind the attack.