Law enforcement conducts search on AfD politicos
In the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, a homeowner reported an alarming incident of two armed burglars in his residence, prompting an immediate response from local authorities [1]. The district, known for its strict regulations on weapon and explosives possession, has since revoked the homeowner's weapon permits and prohibited the possession of his registered weapons [2].
The homeowner, cooperating with the police, handed over a pistol, which he claimed was for self-defense purposes [2]. The police visit did not establish any danger situation, and all legally registered weapons of the homeowner were secured by the police at the time [3].
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Philip Steinbeck, an AfD Kreistag politician in Ludwigslust-Parchim, found himself under investigation following a major police raid on his residence and other properties in early August 2025 [4]. During the operation, several live weapons and a larger amount of explosive materials were seized [4]. The authorities suspect that some of the weapons violate the War Weapons Control Act and the explosives might breach the Explosives Act [4].
The investigation is ongoing, and forensic analyses will determine the precise legal relevance of the weapons and explosives found [4]. Violations of these laws can lead to severe criminal sanctions, including fines and imprisonment [4]. It's important to note that political status does not exempt individuals from compliance or criminal investigation [4].
This case serves as a reminder of the severe legal restrictions on weapon and explosives possession in Germany, with political figures being subject to these laws without exception [4]. The district is also reportedly preparing a general weapons ban [2].
In a separate political development, the state chairperson of The Left, Hennis Herbst, is pushing for a ban on the AfD party [5]. This call comes amidst ongoing debates about the role and conduct of political parties in Germany.
References: [1] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/politiker-mit-waffen-und-sprengstoff-gefahr-in-mecklenburg-vorpommern/28474902.html [2] https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Ludwigslust-Parchim-Waffen-verbot-fuer-Heimbesitzer-article21447530.html [3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/Politiker-mit-Waffen-und-Sprengstoff-gefahr-in-Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/28474902.html [4] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/philip-steinbeck-gefahr-von-waffen-und-sprengstoff-gefunden-a-131561488.html [5] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/afd-in-mecklenburg-vorpommern-landeschef-steinbeck-gegen-eine-verfassungs-vorlage-1.5886330
- The homeowner's pistol, initially for self-defense purposes, was secured by the police due to stricter regulations on weapon possession, as shown in the revocation of his permit and the upcoming general weapons ban in Ludwigslust-Parchim.
- Amidst investigations surrounding an AfD Kreistag politician, Philip Steinbeck, for alleged breaches of the War Weapons Control Act and Explosives Act, it's evident that even political figures are not exempt from criminal investigations regarding weapon and explosive possession in Germany.
