BERLIN, Germany – On the morning of Nov. 20, an 18-year-old man with explosives rigged to his body entered his former high school in western Germany and began firing. Anywhere between five and eight people were shot, and approximately another 20 – 16 of whom were officers – suffered injuries from smoke inhalation after the intruder ignited smoke bombs.

When police stormed the Geschwister Scholl school in Emsdetten, the former student, whose identity has not yet been released by police, retreated to the third floor where he was later found dead by police.

After police evacuated the school, they found explosives still strapped to the body, as well as two rifles. As of the evening of Nov. 20 the bomb squad was still working on disarming the bombs. The former student’s car was also searched for explosive materials.

Police are not yet sure if the intruder shot himself or was caught in an explosion. None of the officers in the building, according to police, fired any shots.

Police also found what appeared to be a suicide note on the attacker’s personal Web site. The note, officials said, indicate the man was frustrated and did not want to live anymore. The Web site also displayed pictures of the man posing with weapons.

Investigators said the Web site’s content leads them to believe the man was operating alone and did not have any connections with any extremist groups.

None of the injuries sustained by students, faculty and police are believed to be serious.

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