At least 11 people were injured after a violent clash broke out inside a gurdwara in Moers, Germany, leading to a major police response and the deployment of special tactical units. The incident involved around 40 individuals and quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with reports of knives, kirpans, pepper spray, and even a firearm being used. Authorities are investigating whether the firearm was a blank-firing weapon, as shell casings found at the site suggest. Emergency services treated the injured at the scene, and police confirmed that at least one suspect was detained. Investigators from the criminal department are working to establish the sequence of events and identify all those involved in the violence.
German media reports indicate the clash was linked to disputes over the election of a new gurdwara management board and control of funds. Witnesses described the attack as seemingly planned, with pepper spray deployed and a pistol fired just before the service began. One witness recounted seeing knives and noted that tensions had been building for some time over leadership and financial control. Another witness said panic spread inside the gurdwara, forcing many worshippers to flee, though fortunately no lives were lost. Authorities have yet to recover the firearm, and the investigation remains ongoing as police attempt to clarify the motives and prevent further escalation of internal disagreements.