Public protests - Tesla protests triggered the biggest police response seen so far.
During the month of May, Germany witnessed the biggest police operation in its history. This accounted for both the number of officers involved and the operation's duration, which spanned over four days. According to Interior Minister Michael Stübgen, the CDU, this was in response to an organized attempt to breach the Tesla plant. In early May, a slew of protests were held against the American electric car maker, Tesla. On a Wednesday meeting in Potsdam's state parliament's Interior Committee, Stübgen divulged these details.
Almost 10,000 protesters attended the rallies held between May 8th and 12th. The 4-day operation saw the involvement of almost 29,000 officers from 13 states with the help of the Federal Police. These personnel were augmented daily by approximately 1,648-2,183 officers - a massive deployment. Over this period, 76 criminal complaints were filed and 29 people were expelled. Among the injuries sustained were 27 police officers and 26 private individuals, while the activists reported serious damages such as fractures and head injuries.
Events were particularly intense on May 10th, when protesters stormed the Tesla factory in Grünheide, Brandenburg. The fence in front of the factory, owned by CEO Elon Musk, was overrun by hundreds of activists and agitators. However, they were unable to gain access to the factory's premises, according to the police. A large police presence, complete with a water canon and a tanker, from the Potsdam and Eberswalde forces was utilized. Regardless, no weapons were deployed. The rally, aimed at impeding the factory's expansion for a freight yard and logistics areas, ultimately failed.
