Authorities conduct search at residences of AfD leaders
German Politician Philip Steinbeck Under Investigation for Alleged Weapons Violation
Philip Steinbeck, a district council representative for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is currently under investigation following the seizure of weapons and explosives from his possession.
The police confiscated firearms and explosives, including black powder for muzzleloaders and what Steinbeck claims are deactivated weapons, during raids at his home. The authorities are determining whether these items fall under weapons or war weapons regulations.
The action, which involved around 60 officers, including special forces from the state criminal police, took place from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The weapons seized can cause serious injuries, heightening the severity of the investigation.
Steinbeck remains at liberty but is under formal investigation. He expressed somewhat cooperative sentiments regarding official action, stating he welcomed the investigation to bring movement to the situation. However, no formal charges have been filed as of early August 2025, and the investigation is ongoing to establish if the possession breaches German weapon and war weapon laws.
The incident has sparked concern among political leaders. Katharina Horn, state leader of The Left, called for an AfD ban, while the state leader of the Greens, Katharina Horn, expressed concern about possible political connections. Hennis Herbst, state leader of The Greens, warned that toyings with the demolition of the firewall endanger everyone.
Steinbeck reportedly referred to a threat situation against him, but no further details have been released. Schwerin Interior Minister, Christian Pegel, praised the action without commenting on the suspect's identity.
The district of Ludwigslust-Parchim is preparing a general weapon ban, which could have implications for the investigation. The Schwerin public prosecutor's office confirmed that the latest action was due to information from the previous operation, but no link has been established between the two incidents.
Several media outlets had previously reported on the incident, but the authorities have not released any official statement regarding the nature of the threat or the specific weapons and explosives seized.
[1] Police seize weapons and explosives from AfD politician's home in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern [2] AfD politician Philip Steinbeck under investigation for weapons violation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- The investigation into AfD politician Philip Steinbeck's alleged weapons violation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is surrounded by political news and concerns, with calls for a ban on the party from leaders of The Left and the Greens.
- This incident, involving the seizure of weapons and explosives from the residence of an Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician, is not only classified as crime-and-justice news but also falls under war-and-conflicts and general-news categories due to the potential breach of German weapon and war weapon laws and the political implications it carries.
