Authorities are considering political motivations in their ongoing probe
Politically Motivated Vandalism Attempt at Hugenottenhalle: Suspects at Large, Large-Scale Protest Expected
A politically charged incident has unfolded at the Hugenottenhalle in Neu-Isenburg, where a vandalism attempt occurred early Friday morning, just days before a scheduled Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) election campaign event.
Incident Details
- The vandalism involved an attempt to shatter the glass entrance of the venue, with four individuals using tools to strike the glass.
- Despite significant efforts, the glass held, preventing any intrusion into the hall.
- The estimated property damage is several thousand euros.
- No injuries were reported as the incident took place during the early hours, well before attendees arrived.
Investigation
- The South East Hesse Police Headquarters has taken over the investigation, suspecting a political motive for the vandalism attempt.
- A carpenter's hammer believed to be the potential weapon used was secured near the hall.
- Forensic teams are examining surveillance footage to identify suspects, who are estimated to be between 1.60 and 1.80 meters tall.
- Authorities are working closely with venue management and event organizers to assess security measures and prevent further disruption.
Witness Accounts
- Several eyewitnesses reported seeing suspicious individuals near the venue late at night.
- Some witnesses described the perpetrators as wearing masks or hooded clothing, suggesting an intent to conceal identity.
- A few community members expressed concern over rising political tensions and called for peaceful dialogue rather than destructive actions.
Reactions
- The AfD condemned the vandalism as an attack on democratic participation and freedom of speech.
- Local officials urged calm and stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law regardless of political disagreements.
- Community groups emphasized the need for respectful discourse and condemned violence or intimidation tactics.
Anticipated Protests
- Protests against this event have been announced for several days, with authorities preparing for a large-scale operation in anticipation of more than 1,000 protesters demonstrating against the AfD election campaign event in the Hugenottenhalle on Saturday.
- The protesters intend to demonstrate against the presence of high-ranking AfD politicians such as Alice Weidel at the event.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the South East Hesse Police Headquarters at 069 8098-1234.
Other suspects remain at large in relation to the politically motivated vandalism attempt at the Hugenottenhalle, as the investigation continues. In light of the anticipated large-scale protest against the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) election campaign event at the same venue on Saturday, general-news and crime-and-justice outlets are keeping a close eye on the situation.
