Germany: Masked gunman shot dead at cinema complex

BERLIN (AA) - A masked gunman was shot dead during a police operation at a movie theater complex near Frankfurt on Thursday.

Peter Beuth, interior minister of the west-central Hesse region, said the suspect was shot dead by special forces police after he took several people hostage at the cinema complex in the small town of Viernheim.

Beuth said the suspect was carrying a long gun when he stormed the theater, and initial reports indicate that witnesses heard at least four shots fired at the scene.

Beuth made the remarks during a parliamentary debate at the regional parliament in Wiesbaden.

Police said all the hostages were rescued without any injuries.

Initial reports of injuries at the theater were due to inhalation of tear gas used by the police, German media reported.