65-year-old threatens children with a gun – police are investigating in Bockenem!

65-year-old threatens children with a gun – police are investigating in Bockenem!

In Bockenem, a small town in the Hildesheim district, an incident occurred on July 14, 2025 that heated up tempers and raised questions about gun ownership. A 65-year-old man allegedly threatened a group of five children and young people with a gun, which had repeatedly led to verbal arguments between those involved. The situation escalated when the man pointed the rifle at them after the group had initially run away.
During the dangerous situation, which took place around 7:30 p.m., a brave boy immediately informed the police, who then surrounded the suspect's home. The officers cordoned off adjacent paths and prepared for the possibility of finding the man, who had barricaded himself in his apartment. Ultimately, the 65-year-old was arrested without resistance. He was cooperative and during the search the police found an air rifle, which was then confiscated. As ndr.de reports, criminal proceedings were initiated on suspicion of threats.

But how could it come to this? The incident outlines a worrying situation that not only affects the town of Bockenem, but also brings the safety of handling weapons in Germany into focus in general. In recent years there have been repeated discussions about gun rights. Legal weapons were often used in mass shootings like those in Erfurt, Winnenden and Hanau, which has prompted the Federal Ministry of the Interior to consider changing gun laws. The draft to tighten gun laws is currently being coordinated with various ministries, as reported by [Deutschlandfunk](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/ Waffen- Waffengesetz- Waffenrecht-amok-100.html).

Gun law and public safety

The planned changes are intended to ensure that vulnerable people, such as politically radicalized or mentally ill people, do not have access to weapons. Irene Mihalic from the Greens emphasizes that the dangers of private gun ownership must be urgently evaluated. Among the registered gun owners in Germany there are around 1,500 people who are considered right-wing extremists.

With the planned reform, the federal government also wants to make it easier to confiscate gun ownership cards and improve communication between the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, weapons authorities and the police. Age limits for the purchase of large-caliber weapons are to be raised, while younger buyers will be required to provide proof of their mental fitness. However, there are concerns within the coalition, especially from the FDP, which is calling for a comprehensive review of previous legal changes before new laws are enacted.

Appeal to witnesses

The Bad Salzdetfurth police have asked the public for help in connection with the incident in Bockenem. Witnesses who have not yet been interviewed are asked to call 05063/901-0. While the 65-year-old was released after his arrest, it remains to be seen how the investigation and the criminal proceedings initiated against him will progress, as well as what consequences this incident could have for the discussion about gun rights.

The events in Bockenem remind us that both the issue of responsibility in the use of weapons and the safety of the public should come first.