East Germany.
The reaction, as far as I can remember, was similar to mine: It had to happen sooner or later. But really most didn't speak that much about it.
After all people are not much interested if it is far away. Like now: Someone drove a truck into the christmas market in Berlin. TV stopped the program and wasted an hour saying they don't know what it is, repeating it again and again. In Bagdad or Kabul such a thing happens weekly but you dont even get a five line in newspaper. But does it make a difference if people die here or in Kabul? No - that is my stance but I am quite unique with it.
Back to topic: As I said we didn't had such a shock as the USA. But I think the reaction was way stronger in western Germany then in the east. Some people there were really shocked. I think thats because of the stronger connection, like of those who lived or drove daily near an US base.
Thank you for sharing this. I'm very interested to hear different perspectives on events like this, the reactions and opinions from all over the world.
You are right that there are violent events happening all over the world on a daily basis and our reactions to them on an individual level and at the level of country are very different. Often what doesn't affect us personally is hard to understand and empathize with. Distance can create a great emotional barrier.