Berlin Police Seize Unstable Explosives; Quick Action Prevents Potential Attack
October 31, 2024Experts identified the explosive substance as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly unstable material often associated with extremist attacks, with approximately 530 grams found in the bag.
While TATP has been used in previous terrorist incidents, including attacks in Brussels and Paris, there are currently no indications of a terror motive in this case.
Investigations are ongoing, and although the police stated the incident was a 'suspicion-independent check', the reasons for the man's possession of explosives remain unclear.
A police spokesperson suggested that law enforcement's quick response may have averted a potential attack.
The incident has raised significant concerns among security authorities, prompting discussions between Berlin police chief Barbara Slowik and federal police chief Dieter Romann.
This event occurs amid heightened vigilance in Germany regarding various terrorist threats, including jihadist and far-right extremism.
Authorities cordoned off the area around the park extensively to ensure public safety during the operation.
The controlled explosion of the explosives was heard several hundred meters away, raising concerns about the potential consequences had the explosives detonated near a crowd.
The explosive substance found requires further examination due to its highly explosive nature.
A police operation in Berlin-Neukölln was initiated after a man fled from a Federal Police checkpoint, leaving behind a bag containing explosives.
The investigation is being conducted by the Landeskriminalamt's specialized unit for explosive offenses, with the State Protection Service involved due to the potential for politically motivated actions.
Authorities confirmed that there was no danger to residents during the incident.
Summary based on 17 sources
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Sources
Evening Standard • Oct 31, 2024
Hunt for Berlin bomber as bag filled with explosives left at station