Arson attack on Schorndorf Christmas market: police are looking for witnesses!

Arson attack on Schorndorf Christmas market: police are looking for witnesses!

On the night of the first Sunday of Advent, an unfortunate incident occurred in Schorndorf, Upper Palatinate: unknown people set fire to several stalls at the local Christmas market. Mayor Max Schmaderer described the attack as an “attack on voluntary work” that called into question the committed work of local associations. The fire brigade was quickly on the scene and was able to quickly extinguish the small fires, thereby averting major damage to the 14 stalls and nearby buildings South German newspaper reported.

The police estimate the damage to the eight stalls affected to be in the low four-digit euro range. The fire department itself was also affected because its own hut was damaged. Fortunately, an alert driver reported the flames, which helped prevent anything worse from happening. However, Mayor Schmaderer noted that the market took place as planned despite this incident and reported a “satisfactory” number of visitors.

Police investigations

In the early hours of the morning, the police were quickly at the scene and carried out extensive forensic investigations. The Regensburg criminal police have taken over the investigation into the arson and have a suspect in their sights. A man is being sought who was dressed in dark clothing and had reflective stripes on his shoes, knee area and upper body. Video recordings show this man walking around several times in front of a shop on Church Square. According to the Bavarian Review There is currently no evidence of an organized attack found; instead, it is assumed that the perpetrator was an individual.

The police have asked the public to come forward if they observed suspicious people or vehicles in the area of ​​the church square at the time in question. They are also investigating arson and it is assumed that an accelerant was used.

Security measures at the Christmas market

The incident also casts a shadow on the security architecture at Christmas markets. Security requirements have increased in recent years and cities are faced with the challenge of ensuring protection against potential threats such as terrorist attacks. Security concepts must necessarily always keep the population in mind, while the financial resources for this are often limited Kommunal.de explained.

In the case of Schorndorf, short-term security measures were taken as a result of the incident. There could also be additional costs for the clubs involved, which will have to introduce a night guard in order to better ensure security in the future. Mayor Schmaderer and the security authorities agree: security at events is not only the responsibility of the organizers, but also of the police and state institutions. Commitment from both sides is required to prevent such incidents in the future.