Riot in Altötting: Hooligan vandalizes basilica and bites policewoman!

Riot in Altötting: Hooligan vandalizes basilica and bites policewoman!

On the night of Pentecost Sunday, an incident occurred in the tranquil pilgrimage church of St. Anna in Altötting that not only disturbed the pilgrims' state of mind, which remained in rest mode, but also called the police into action. A 19-year-old man rioted in the basilica and caused considerable damage to property. Loud Church and life This is estimated to be in the mid five-digit euro range.

The alleged perpetrator apparently locked himself in the church on Saturday. A church employee discovered him around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. He immediately called the emergency number, which brought the police to the scene. During the arrest, the 19-year-old was unpredictable: he bit a policewoman in the thigh, fortunately the injury remained without acute medical treatment. However, the police operation represented a significant disruption to the Pentecost masses in the basilica. Services that had been canceled, including the final service of the Straubing pilgrimage, had to be held in the Altötting collegiate church, while another service was canceled without replacement.

Legal consequences and psychiatric care

The incident also resulted in legal consequences. Proceedings have been initiated for damage to property, disruption of religious practice, trespassing and physical attack on and resistance to law enforcement officers. However, the Traunstein public prosecutor's office did not apply for arrest, so the accused was transferred to a psychiatric clinic. In a city like Altötting, which attracts over a million pilgrims every year, such a crime is quite unusual.

Sacred place and pilgrimage tradition

Altötting, known as the largest German Marian pilgrimage site, has a long and venerable history. The figure of the Virgin Mary, which came to Altötting around 1330, is still venerated by believers today. The roots of the pilgrimage tradition go back to the ninth century. In particular, two documented healing miracles in 1489 contributed significantly to the establishment of this tradition.

The Basilica of St. Anne, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is not only architecturally appealing but also a central point for numerous pilgrims. Especially in the context of increasing crime in Germany, it is particularly frightening that even holy places are not immune from such rioters. In comparison to the general development of crime, which according to... Statista is partly declining, this incident is putting a damper on community security.

The current situation once again casts a shadow over the feeling of security of citizens and pilgrims - even if the police crime statistics report a decline of 1.7% for 2024. Nevertheless, incidents like this, which happen right in the heart of Altötting, represent a major challenge. The police are making a crucial contribution to maintaining security in such traditional sites.