Shot in the Neubrandenburg Cultural Park: self-defense or dangerous threat?

Shot in the Neubrandenburg Cultural Park: self-defense or dangerous threat?

The shooting incident in the Neubrandenburg Cultural Park, which occurred in May 2024, is currently being heard in the district court. The defendant, a 34-year-old woman, faces serious allegations: She is said to have threatened a man who had knocked down her fiancé with a real Magnum-type drum revolver. This case has already made many headlines in recent weeks, particularly as it is the third shooting incident in the region to end up in court and raises the question of whether or not it was legitimate self-defense, as Nordkurier reports.

The situation quickly escalated in the argument between the craftsman, her fiancé, and the huge acquaintance. The craftsman had already had suspicions about some acquaintances after a break-in at his company in which he suffered damage of around 20,000 euros. At a meeting to investigate the matter, a violent confrontation ensued, culminating in a gunshot that hit no one. Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and everyone involved was still on scene.

The question of self-defense

The central question in the proceedings is self-defense. According to Section 32 of the Criminal Code, an act of self-defense is only permissible if it is carried out in the face of a current, unlawful attack and is necessary and proportionate. This means that a shot could only be justified if the situation actually called for it, as [anwalt.de](https://www.anwalt.de/rechtstipps/bgh-zur-erforderlichkeit-einer-notwehrhandlung-beim-schuss Waffennutz-ein-blick-auf-die-aktuelle-rechtrecht-231714.html) explains. The principle “in dubio pro reo” also states that in case of doubt the decision must be made in favor of the defendant, which could be of great importance in this case.

A forensic report will be presented at the next hearing on July 14, 2025 to provide further clarity. A video from an alarm system that documents the shot and the screaming that followed could also provide crucial information. Tensions in the courtroom were already evident during the first hearing when a spectator insulted the defendant. It remains to be seen what verdict will be reached on the next day of the trial, as the emotional and legal complexity of the situation raises profound questions about self-defense and the limits of self-defense.

A look at the legal situation

The complexity of the legal framework is illustrated by current decisions by the Federal Court of Justice, which deal with the use of firearms in self-defense situations. In particular, the question is addressed as to whether there was a “current attack” and whether the use of a weapon was necessary for defense, as [jura-online](https://jura-online.de/blog/2022/08/17/bgh-zu-schuss Waffennutz-in-notwehr/) states. The BGH's decision from 2023 makes it clear that necessity must be examined on a case-by-case basis, which makes the legal assessment in a case like this particularly challenging.

The upcoming trial promises to be informative not only for those involved, but also for general jurisprudence on such complex self-defense issues. Meanwhile, the population in Neubrandenburg remains keen to watch the developments, as this process will certainly cause some discussion.