An Iraqi national arrested after firing multiple shots at a residential building in Aachen has been released, after prosecutors downgraded the case despite initial suspicions of attempted manslaughter.

The incident took place in the early hours of March 14, when gunfire struck an apartment block on Perlisker Street. Investigators later recovered multiple shell casings at the scene, with bullets hitting windows and interior areas of a first-floor flat. A gas line was also damaged, forcing the evacuation of 12 residents while emergency services secured the building.

According to Focus magazine, the apartment targeted had displayed Iranian flags associated with the pre-1979 Shah era. Authorities believe the shooting may have been politically motivated, potentially linked to tensions surrounding Iran.

Police arrested a 28-year-old Iraqi man near the scene shortly after the attack. He was found carrying a firearm and an empty magazine. Reports indicate he appeared intoxicated, with drug tests allegedly detecting amphetamines. During his arrest, the suspect reportedly described himself as a “freedom fighter” connected to Iran.

Investigators believe the shooting may have been directed at a resident who had posted online about Kurdish political issues. The suspect is said to have admitted to firing the weapon.

Despite the circumstances, prosecutors declined to pursue an arrest warrant on suspicion of attempted manslaughter after an initial request was denied, according to General Anzeiger. Instead, the case was reduced to alleged weapons violations and property damage.

The suspect was subsequently released pending investigation.

The man was reportedly already known to authorities under multiple identities and had previously been investigated for offenses including assault, theft, and attempted manslaughter. A past conviction for resisting law enforcement was also noted.

Efforts to detain the suspect for deportation were also unsuccessful. Authorities sought to place him in custody pending removal from Germany, but a judicial application was rejected on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence he would commit further offenses.

The case is now being handled by state security services.

In a brief public statement, the Aachen public prosecutor’s office confirmed that a request for an arrest warrant had been denied but did not disclose further details, citing privacy and data protection rules. The statement did not include information about the suspect’s nationality or prior record.