Suspected ‘left-wing extremist’ arson attack destroys 23 police vehicles in Munich

Munich authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack by left-wing extremists that destroyed 23 police vehicles, resulting in an estimated €2m worth of damage

By Thomas Brooke
2 Min Read

Munich authorities are investigating suspected arson by left-wing extremists after a massive fire destroyed 23 police vehicles in the city’s Allach-Untermenzing district early Saturday morning.

The blaze broke out at approximately 2:40 a.m. in the parking lot of the Munich police service dog unit.

A total of 45 emergency personnel from both professional and volunteer fire brigades managed to extinguish the fire within 45 minutes, but the vehicles were unsalvagable. The main police building also sustained minor damage due to heat radiation.

No people or animals were harmed, but the damage is estimated at around €2 million.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, police at the scene strongly suggest arson and are pursuing lines of inquiry. A search for suspects was launched with around 50 officers combing the area, but no arrests have been made. The Munich criminal police’s state security department has taken over the investigation, focusing on potential political motivations.

As cited by Bayerischer Rundfunk, Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) condemned the act, stating, “This already has basic terrorist features. This is a serious crime directed against those who ensure our citizens’ safety every day.”

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) suggested the fire may have been set by left-wing extremists. “It is suspected that this was a politically motivated attack from the left-wing extremist camp,” he stated. “Attacks on our security forces are an attack on our democracy.”

The attack comes amid a recent surge in politically motivated arson incidents in Munich and surrounding areas. A special task force, codenamed “Diamond,” has been established to investigate previous similar attacks.

Despite the setback, a police spokesman reassured that the dog unit remains operational, although significant logistical challenges are now obvious for the foreseeable future.

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