- 400 firearms in the hands of far-right extremists
Citizens of the Reich, Far-Right Extremists, and "Delegitimizers" possess more than 400 legal firearms in Rhineland-Palatinate, according to a response from the Ministry of the Interior in Mainz to a parliamentary inquiry by Green Party representative Carl-Bernhard von Heusinger. This "high number" shows that the federal government's announced tightening of gun laws must be implemented urgently, said the interior spokesman for the Green Party in the state parliament. "Firearms do not belong in the hands of enemies of the constitution."
The Rhineland-Palatinate authorities are closely monitoring this issue, said von Heusinger. Where possible, gun licenses are being revoked. "However, the relevant authorities need more leeway and legal certainty to permanently disarm the enemies of our democracy."
As of the end of 2023, 103 far-right extremists, Reich citizens, and "self-administrators," as well as people assessed as "constitutionally relevant delegitimizers of the state," had a gun ownership card or a small firearm permit, according to the Ministry of the Interior. So far, gun ownership cards or small firearm permits have been revoked from 18 far-right extremists and 85 Reich citizens.
"Reich citizens" do not recognize the Federal Republic and its laws. The scene is very heterogeneous and includes esotericists and conspiracy theorists, with some associated with the far-right extremist spectrum.
The Rhineland-Palatinate coalition is in favor of tightening gun laws. "The state government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy regarding the reliability of extremists under gun laws," said Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD). The goal is to prevent these people from accessing weapons and ammunition or to revoke existing gun licenses and confiscate legally possessed firearms.
"This also applies to members of parties and their youth organizations suspected of unconstitutional activities," Ebling said. However, there is still some legal uncertainty in certain areas. Rhineland-Palatinate supports the federal government's announcement to tighten gun laws.
Other extremist groups, such as conspiratorial organizations, might also possess firearms, necessitating further scrutiny and potential regulation. Implementing stricter gun laws amidst this other threat is equally important for maintaining democratic stability.
