Germany investigates attempted arson attack on Wuppertal synagogue — Deutsche Welle
The prosecutor's office in the German city of Wuppertal is investigating an attempted arson attack on a local synagogue. A 37-year-old city resident with Afghan citizenship was detained near the scene on suspicion of involvement in the crime, Deutsche Welle reports.
Incident details
According to the prosecutor's office, the attack occurred on Thursday afternoon. Investigators believe the man threw three containers of flammable liquid into the stairwell and entrance of the synagogue and the Negev café located there, and then set them on fire.
An employee of the establishment quickly extinguished the fire. According to police, no one was injured and the damage to the building was minor. Law enforcement officers guarding the site detained the man near the scene shortly afterward.
The prosecutor's office said that, after reviewing surveillance camera footage, there are reasonable grounds to suspect the man of starting the fire.
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Investigation and community response
During his detention, the suspect made statements that may indicate an antisemitic motive, prosecutors said. Investigators continue to establish the circumstances of the case and are analyzing data from the man's mobile phone, which was seized during his detention.
During a search of his home, several knives and machetes were found, which, according to the prosecutor's office, were placed in easily accessible locations. The man also had a prior conviction for threatening a female neighbor. He is being investigated on suspicion of attempted aggravated arson and was due to appear before a judge on Friday.
In the evening, about 30 people gathered outside the synagogue for a spontaneous solidarity rally. The Central Council of Jews in Germany condemned the attack, which occurred ahead of Yom Kippur on September 20–21. Council president Josef Schuster said he was particularly concerned by how calmly the attacker acted in broad daylight.
