A 65-year-old woman caused a major police response at Aachen Luisenhospital in Germany by entering with a starter pistol and a fake explosive belt.

She barricaded herself in the hospital, leading to a standoff of several hours before being shot by police, and is now in stable condition.

Prior to the hospital incident, the woman is suspected to have started a fire at her apartment and the hospital, possibly indicating suicidal intentions.

The hospital was evacuated and a nearby train line was closed, affecting 73 people and requiring 4 intensive care patients to be transferred.

Authorities are exploring a connection between the hospital threat and an earlier residential fire in Eschweiler.

The state prosecutor is deliberating over requesting an arrest warrant, with the woman's motive still under investigation.

Public urged to use support channels like the Telefonseelsorge hotline for assistance with suicidal thoughts, following the incident.