In a memorial ceremony, family, friends and numerous other people in Idar-Oberstein said goodbye to a 20-year-old student who had been killed.
The young man was shot dead by a customer while working at a gas station just under three weeks ago after he had advised him of the mask requirement.
"The shocking act stunned us all and continues to leave our society with great sadness and sadness, even beyond Idar-Oberstein," said Mayor Frank Frühauf (CDU) on Thursday at the public memorial service in the Idar-Oberstein exhibition hall. Around 400 people had come to "Remember Alex". In the meantime, over 1700 viewers switched on the live stream. Interior Minister Roger Lewentz (SPD) was among the guests. On the part of the federal government, Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner, who is also the Rhineland-Palatinate CDU chairwoman, took part. The organization of the commemoration was supported by the city and the fair, among others.
Hardly anyone could imagine what “this senseless act” meant for the mother, relatives and other victims, said Mayor Frühauf. It was the family's wish to mourn Alex together with many people in one place - without political speeches. “Today, Alex should be in the foreground (...). We are infinitely sad. ”The funeral is planned for a later date in the immediate family circle.
The investigations into the background of the crime are ongoing, according to the Bad Kreuznach public prosecutor.
According to previous knowledge, the petrol station employee had repeatedly advised a 49-year-old man that he was required to wear a mask, as he wanted to buy beer without a mask.
The older man then shot the gas station employee in the head from the front.
He later told the police that he opposed the corona measures.
The 49-year-old man is on remand on suspicion of murder.