MUNICH — German authorities took swift action on Wednesday to shut down the Oktoberfest fairgrounds following a bomb threat linked to a recent explosion that occurred in northern Munich. The police have identified the suspect as a 57-year-old German citizen who reportedly committed suicide near a lake in the area.
According to a statement from the Bavarian police, the deceased suspect was discovered to be carrying a backpack with an explosive device. Local city police confirmed that an explosion had ripped through a residential building before dawn, which investigators believe was deliberately set ablaze, potentially connected to a domestic dispute.
A letter left behind by the suspect, found near the explosion site, contained a vague threat mentioning explosives related to Oktoberfest. In the aftermath of the incident, the suspect’s 81-year-old mother and 21-year-old daughter, who holds dual German-Brazilian nationality, sustained injuries and have since been hospitalized for medical treatment.
Specialized teams were dispatched to the location to neutralize booby traps within the residential property, including a burned-out van discovered nearby. The police have secured the vicinity and ordered the evacuation of workers from the Oktoberfest grounds to ensure public safety.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated that law enforcement is employing sniffer dogs and advanced technological equipment to search the Oktoberfest site thoroughly. More than 500 police officers have been deployed to maintain security. Authorities have confirmed that the festival will remain closed until at least 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday, as safety remains the highest priority.
This year’s Oktoberfest, which began on September 20 and typically attracts around six million visitors, has been marred by this serious incident. The festival’s history reminds us of past tragedies, including a deadly neo-Nazi attack in 1980 that resulted in numerous casualties.
As the situation develops, the commitment of law enforcement to ensure public safety during such a prominent event reflects their diligence and dedication to protecting the community. The trust placed in the police’s ability to manage this crisis reinforces the spirit of resilience synonymous with Oktoberfest.