Over a hundred individuals adhering to far-right extremist ideologies legally own firearms. - Over a hundred far-right fanatics possess firearm privileges
In Germany, the issue of far-right extremism and gun ownership has become a matter of significant concern. The trend of far-right extremists possessing firearms, particularly in the state of Hesse, has raised alarm bells due to the increasing incidents of far-right violence and extremist networking.
A high-profile example in Hesse was the assassination of Walter Lübcke, a pro-migrant CDU politician, by a far-right extremist who was a member of neo-Nazi groups equipped with weapons and explosives. This incident highlighted the lethal risk posed by far-right extremists with access to firearms. It also revealed the existence of extremist groups in Germany with kill lists and illegal arms caches, escalating worries about the gap between legal weapon ownership and far-right militant activity.
The revocation process of weapon permits for far-right extremists in Germany generally involves security vetting and police intelligence. When authorities identify radicalization or extremist affiliations or criminal acts, weapon permits can be confiscated by state police under weapons laws. Following the Lübcke murder and discovery of groups like Nordkreuz, German authorities have increased scrutiny of permit holders suspected of extremist ties, although exact procedures vary by federal state.
Despite this increased vigilance, specific data on permit holders by far-right affiliation in Hesse or gradual trends in permit revocations are not publicly enumerated. However, overall intelligence points to increased vigilance after high-profile extremist violence and terror plots.
In Germany, four individuals categorized as belonging to so-called phenomenon areas held firearm permits. To legally acquire a firearm from a licensed dealer or gunsmith, one needs a weapon ownership card and must demonstrate reliability, proficiency, and a legitimate need. The location of these individuals has not been specified.
While the exact number of far-right extremists in Hesse who had their weapon permits revoked or had the process initiated remains undisclosed, authorities are working to enhance mechanisms to withdraw weapon ownership from identified extremists to prevent violence and terrorism. The Weapons Act in Germany regulates who can buy and carry firearms, distinguishing between a weapon ownership card and a weapons permit. Proceedings to revoke weapon permits were initiated for 17 Reichsbürger, and 13 had theirs revoked. Unauthorized acquisition or possession of a firearm without a WBK in Germany is punishable under Section 52 of the Weapons Act.
In conclusion, authorities in Germany are increasingly recognizing far-right extremism as a critical security threat and are enhancing mechanisms to withdraw weapon ownership from identified extremists to prevent violence and terrorism. However, more comprehensive data on the number of far-right extremists with firearms, especially regional breakdowns, is not publicly available.
- The community policy in Germany, focusing on managing far-right extremism, has prioritized revoking weapon permits from individuals identified as extremists, aiming to mitigate the risk of violence and terrorism.
- The issue of far-right extremists possessing firearms in Germany, particularly in the state of Hesse, falls under the general-news category as well as crime-and-justice, given the increasing incidents of far-right violence and extremist networking, and the lethal risks they pose.
