Three people in the western city of Cologne were attacked on Monday, with the victims all hit by darts that are believed to have been fired by a blowgun. Police are on the hunt for the mysterious attacker.
On Monday, three people reported being injured by darts that are believed to have been fired from a blowgun. Police have since reported that a public transport employee, a construction worker and a pedestrian were hit by the darts and have launched a manhunt to catch the culprit. The attacks took place in the busy Barbarossaplatz, a square just southwest of the centre of the city.
Police are now checking CCTV footage and calling on witnesses to try and find the perpetrator, with a police spokesperson confirming they are investigating an unknown assailant for dangerous bodily harm. However, the police are still unsure what the motive behind the attacks are and did not comment on why the culprit might have used a blowgun.
Unlike in other countries, like the UK, Ireland and Canada, blowguns are actually legal in Germany. There are even blowgun associations, like the German Blasrohr Sport association, that are meant to protect blowgun users and their rights. According to the German Blasrohr Sport association, blowguns are typically used for sports and recreational purposes in Germany. Despite giving instructions on making mouthpieces and darts for blowguns, the association’s website advises against shooting people and even trees.