Firearm owners among the Alternative for Germany party undergo scrutiny for veracity - Gun owners within the AfD party undergo trustworthiness assessments
In the heart of Germany, Saxony's authorities have initiated a series of checks on AfD members who own weapons, due to concerns about potential extremist tendencies within the party's ranks. This move comes after the AfD state association was officially classified as having proven right-wing extremist aspirations by Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) in May 2025.
The increased scrutiny is aimed at ensuring these AfD members meet the legal reliability standards required for gun ownership, as outlined in the Weapon Law. Factors such as lack of criminal convictions and careful handling of weapons and ammunition are among the criteria considered.
As of the latest available information, no exact numbers have been revealed publicly about how many AfD members with weapons in Saxony are undergoing these checks. However, it is logical to assume that the heightened surveillance and legal scrutiny of AfD members would extend to those holding weapons given the party's recent classification.
The Ministry of the Interior has announced that 69 review procedures have been initiated for the 71 AfD members notified by the constitutional protection. Meanwhile, the number of AfD members or its youth organization known to own weapon permits has increased to 82, collectively owning almost 250 firearms.
The Left Party politician, Juliane Nagel, expressed surprise at the numbers, stating that the number of armed individuals in AfD circles is higher than in the rest of the extreme right-wing scene. Nagel made her statement in Dresden, the capital city of Saxony. She further submitted a minor request to the Ministry of the Interior regarding AfD weapon owners.
It's important to note that persons who belong to a banned association, an unconstitutional party, or pursue objectives against the constitutional order are also considered unreliable for weapon ownership.
Two objections have been made in two cases during the review procedures, demonstrating the thoroughness of the checks being carried out. The constitutional protection has reportedly notified the weapon authorities of 71 AfD members, signifying the extent of the investigation.
As the checks continue, more precise statistics may become available, potentially offering a clearer picture of the situation. Until then, the focus remains on maintaining public safety and upholding the constitutional order.
