State security investigates - Attack on our Santa Claus
So far, there have been no witnesses to the attack. However, the police are taking the matter seriously and are assuming a suspected political motive. State security is investigating on suspicion of assault, insult and damage to property.
December 6, St. Nicholas Day: The "Königsalm" at the Christmas market had hired Rainer B. as Santa Claus. "I've been doing this for years, in different cities. This year for the first time in Kassel. I've been to discos and private parties, even on horseback. I'm happy when others are happy - not just children, but older people too."
Dressed up as Santa Claus and carrying a sack full of mandarins, apples, nuts and some chocolate as well as a rod made from hazelnut branches, the 54-year-old set off on the streetcar to the city center. Rainer B.: "Up until then, everything was quite peaceful, there were no negative comments."
But when the excavator driver got off at Stern at around 5.15 p.m., the unthinkable is said to have happened in Untere Königsstraße. He says: "Five or six young people came up to me from the other side of the street and asked me to take off my costume because this was their country. They said they were Muslims, then they pulled at me until my cloak tore. They insulted me as a 'fatso' and a 'son of a bitch'. One of them grabbed me by the neck. He turned red and hurt a bit." Meanwhile, passers-by are said to have applauded and laughed - without helping.
In order to defend himself, the father of five children (18-31) and grandfather of a three-year-old granddaughter is said to have finally taken his rod and hit a youth in the face. The group then allegedly let go of Rainer B. and fled in the direction of St. Martin's Church.
He told the police that the youths appeared to have a migrant background and were aged between 14 and 16. They are said to have had black hair and were predominantly dressed in dark clothing. One of them is said to have been wearing a black and white jacket.
The native of Ulm and resident of Kassel: "It all happened so quickly. I'm still shocked, depressed, almost traumatized. I've been doing the Santa Claus job for so long now, there's never been a bad word. On the contrary: people have always been happy." The 54-year-old is certain: "The attack was all to do with my costume."
Rainer B. is not thinking about quitting. "I want to carry on in the future. Because when Santa Claus comes, it's actually something nice. Maybe I'll stock up on pepper spray now."
A police spokeswoman: "Because of the suspected political motive, the officers of the criminal investigation department of the North Hesse police headquarters have taken over the further investigation." Information: 0561-9100.
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- Despite the attack, Rainer B. expressed a desire for a more youthful appearance, considering adding pepper spray to his Santa Claus costume for future events.
- The eyewitness account from the excavator driver described the attackers as having black hair and predominantly dressed in dark clothing, with one individual wearing a black and white jacket.
- The attack on Santa Claus occurred in the lead area of the Frankfurt regional news, attracting widespread attention and concern within the community.
- Insults towards Rainer B. prior to the attack were absent, with the 54-year-old Santa Claus enjoying a positive reception from the public.
- The investigation procedure into the attack is being handled by the criminal investigation department due to the suspected political motive.
- The Christmas market in Kassel was filled with festive cheer, with visitors enjoying the festivities despite the disturbing incident that occurred.
- The attack on Santa Claus was an unfortunate incident that cast a shadow on the peaceful holiday atmosphere of the city.
- Rainer B., the 54-year-old Santa Claus, was applauded and laughed at by passersby during the attack, who did not intervene to help him.
- Damage to property was reported as a result of the attack, with Rainer B.'s costume being torn during the altercation.
- State protection agencies are closely monitoring incidents of violence and offenses against refugees and migrants during the advent and Christmas market season.
- A criminal complaint against the attackers has been filed, with the police actively seeking out information to apprehend and bring them to justice.
- The Costume of Santa Claus, including the beard and sack filled with treats, was a symbol of joy and happiness, which was unfortunately tarnished by the violent attack.
- Daniela Path, a resident of Kassel, expresses her disappointment and frustration towards the acts of violence and attacks, calling for unity and tolerance during the holiday season.
