Berlin (AP) — German Minister of Health on Wednesday partially condemned the government’s “incitement” to the government’s pandemic rules on social media for the killing of gas station clerk by a man who refused to wear a face mask.

A 49-year-old German man was arrested on Sunday in a deadly shooting a day ago in the western town of Idar-Oberstein. Officials said the suspect had told officers that he had refused to take action against the coronavirus.

“It was a ruthless murder,” Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters in Berlin, who initially returned home after being denied service because he did not wear a mask, but later returned. He said he shot the clerk’s head.

“The question is what is the environment and what are the situations in which such crimes can occur,” he asked. “This has a lot to do with the incitement and hatred posted on social media.”

The Twitter account linked to the suspect followed several prominent far-right politicians, including senior members of the Alternative for Germany. Posts from the last used account in October 2019 reflect aversion to immigrants, climate activists and the government.

Spawn chanted a “traitor.” Those who heard in the anti-blockade movement during the pandemic could be seen as justifying violence.

“Language is always an act in the end,” he said.

Spawn called on the Germans to speak out when friends, relatives, or neighbors began to spread conspiracy theories about pandemics.

“We have to say’no’clearly and resolutely to all forms of pandemic extremism,” he said.

On Wednesday, a donation was paid to a gas station clerk. The 20-year-old student was identified only by his name, Alex, on a condolence card.