Plot to Strike Bundestag: Raid on Circle Surrounding Prince Reuß - Planned assault drill targeting the German Parliament building, Bundestag.
Germany Arrests Three Suspects Linked to Far-Right Reichsbürger Movement for Alleged Attack Plot on Bundestag
In a significant development, three individuals associated with the far-right Reichsbürger movement were arrested in Germany at the beginning of August 2025. The arrests were part of a coordinated operation involving around 300 police officers in Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia [1][2][3].
The suspects, aged between 40 and 61, are accused of planning a violent coup against the federal government and preparing for a potential attack on the Bundestag. Investigations suggest that firearms training was a crucial aspect of their preparations [1].
The arrest warrants for three of the men had already been issued prior to the searches. In total, six individuals, including five men and one woman, are being investigated in this case [2].
The Reichsbürger movement, which rejects the legitimacy of the modern German state and advocates for a return to a pre-Weimar governmental system, is said to be behind this plot [2][3]. The investigations and trials are not confined to Bavaria but involve Saxony and Thuringia as well.
Authorities have stated that the firearms training was specifically conducted as preparation for the planned attack on the Bundestag. Currently, there are three major terrorism trials nationwide against the Reuß branch of the Reichsbürger group [1].
It is alleged that the accused have consciously accepted deaths as part of their plan. The items subject to the Weapons Act were secured during the searches, and data carriers are being evaluated for evidence [1].
Until a final conviction, the suspects enjoy the presumption of innocence. The investigation is based on the assumption that the exercises were intended to prepare for a possible attack on the German Bundestag [2].
Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß was initially identified as the head of the new state form, but it is unclear if he is directly involved in this case [2]. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and the individuals’ activities.
[1] Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz [2] Der Spiegel [3] BBC News
The Commission, amidst the intensified political scrutiny and general-news focus on the arrests linked to the Reichsbürger movement, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, in light of the potential use of such materials in alleged crime-and-justice incidents. The Commission's proposal could potentially address the safety regulations and training necessary for handling such sensitive materials, in an effort to mitigate future threats.
