A self-proclaimed “Reichsbürger” in Velbert near Düsseldorf threatened police officers with a knife, leading to a special forces operation. The special forces subdued the intoxicated 30-year-old and arrested him, as confirmed by the police on Wednesday. He was slightly injured during the incident. Following treatment at a hospital, where a blood alcohol level of around 1.2 per mille was detected in his breath, he was admitted to a psychiatric clinic at the order of the regulatory office. The police were initially called late Tuesday night to a multi-family residential building due to property damage. The man had damaged a door. When the officers arrived at his apartment, the 30-year-old threatened them with a knife, shouting that he hated the police and identified as a “Reichsbürger.”
In the Reichsbürger scene, it is believed that the German Empire founded in 1871 under a Kaiser still exists today. Therefore, all state institutions are considered illegitimate and rejected. Due to the man locking himself in his apartment, special forces were called for assistance. The special forces breached the door and apprehended him. Inside the apartment, the police discovered multiple bladed weapons, including prohibited knives and an axe. The weapons were confiscated. The incident highlights the dangers of individuals associated with the Reichsbürger movement, who often exhibit hostility towards the police and reject the authority of the German state.
The actions of the self-proclaimed Reichsbürger resulted in a dangerous situation that required the intervention of special forces. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential threats posed by individuals affiliated with extremist ideologies and the importance of law enforcement’s swift response in such cases. The man’s aggressive behavior and possession of illegal weapons underscore the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and addressing radical movements within society. Despite the man’s alcohol intoxication, his adherence to extremist beliefs and willingness to resort to violence poses a significant risk to public safety, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to prevent and counteract such threats.
Following his arrest, the 30-year-old was treated for his injuries and subsequently placed in a psychiatric facility for evaluation. The incident sheds light on the mental health aspect of radical movements such as the Reichsbürger movement, highlighting the potential role of psychological instability in fueling extremist beliefs and behaviors. By addressing the underlying mental health issues of individuals within such movements, authorities can work towards preventing future incidents of violence and promoting a safer society. The case underscores the need for comprehensive approaches that encompass both law enforcement measures and mental health interventions in addressing radical extremism and safeguarding public well-being.
The incident involving the self-proclaimed Reichsbürger in Velbert serves as a stark example of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with radical individuals who reject the authority of the state. The presence of prohibited weapons in the man’s possession further emphasizes the threat posed by extremists and the importance of robust measures to prevent such individuals from causing harm. By swiftly responding to the situation and apprehending the individual, the police were able to prevent a potentially dangerous escalation. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to address radical ideologies and safeguard public safety in the face of extremist threats.
