Robert Steinhäuser, a 19-year-old former student of the Gutenberg-Gymnasium, returned to his former educational institution armed with a pistol on a spring morning. After arriving at the school, Steinhäuser began his violent assault, targeting students and faculty alike. The gruesome attack resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, consisting of 13 teachers and 2 students, before Steinhäuser took his own life in the school's gymnasium. Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos and terror, as students fleeing the gunman added to the panic that enveloped the school. First responders faced difficulties due to the school's layout and the dramatic circumstances of the event, leading to a major response from local law enforcement and emergency services.

In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators delved into Steinhäuser's background, revealing that he had been a student at the school until a year prior, when he had been expelled. Reports indicated that he felt alienated and bullied, fueling his resentment towards faculty and peers. This incident sparked widespread debate across Germany regarding school security, mental health support, and gun control legislation. Educational authorities were pressured to reassess safety protocols in schools, as well as to promote anti-bullying initiatives to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The attack led to increased scrutiny on how schools dealt with emotional distress among students and the need for effective communication between parents, teachers, and students. Despite the significant impact on the community of Erfurt, it also ignited discussions across the nation about the tragic consequences of gun violence and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students. This incident became a pivotal moment in discussions about school safety and mental health in Germany.