Cologne police increase forces on New Year's Eve after attack tip-off
Police officers with machine guns and protective vests may also be out and about in the city, Lotz explained. Hermanns reported that the Federal Criminal Police Office had informed the State Criminal Police Office and the State Security Service on December 21 that there were indications of a possible attack scenario on Cologne Cathedral on New Year's Eve or at the turn of the year.
The security authorities had focused on a man who had been in Saarland at the time but was said to have had contacts in Cologne. He is said to have links to the jihadist militia Islamic State (IS). He was taken into custody on Christmas Eve, as the police reported a few days ago, after he was back in North Rhine-Westphalia.
According to a decision by the Oberhausen district court, he is to remain in custody over the turn of the year. For this time, he is "taken out of circulation", said Hermanns. He was unable to provide any further details and emphasized that the Federal Criminal Police Office was conducting the criminal investigation.
The security measures for the cathedral will remain in place for the time being and will probably continue in part over the coming week, Lotz announced. On New Year's Eve, around 1000 additional police officers will be deployed for special measures and, according to the police, patrols will also be increased. The measures should "enable the population to celebrate peacefully", said Lotz.
However, he also appealed to revelers to report any unusual incidents, for example if someone was behaving strangely or walking around with luggage in a conspicuous manner. Fireworks are banned in large parts of the city center.
Cologne's Mayor Henriette Reker (non-party) called on people not to allow "those who fight against our freedom and values to win". The "enemies of our way of life, our attitude and freedom" should be defied "very confidently".
The security situation is changing due to the crises in the world, said Hermanns. The police are "well prepared for different scenarios". Lotz said: "We assume that we are well prepared for whatever may come."
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- The security authorities in Cologne have issued a hazard warning and reinforced their forces for New Year's Eve, following an attack tip-off from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
- Due to the potential threat, Focus magazine reported that the LKA (State Criminal Police Office) and the ISA (State Security Service) were closely monitoring a suspect with links to the Islamic State (IS).
- The suspect was reportedly in Saarland but had contacts in Cologne and was taken into custody on Christmas Eve.
- According to the Oberhausen district court, the suspect will remain in custody over the New Year's Eve period, as part of an "attack plan" to keep him "taken out of circulation."
- In response to the threat, Cologne police have announced that around 1000 additional officers will be deployed for special measures on New Year's Eve, including patrolling around Cologne Cathedral on "saint's eve."
- Fireworks are banned in large parts of the city center, and the police have requested that revelers report any unusual incidents, such as someone behaving strangely or carrying luggage in a conspicuous manner.
- Cologne's Mayor Henriette Reker called on people not to allow "those who fight against our freedom and values to win," and to "defy the enemies of our way of life, our attitude and freedom, very confidently."
- Despite the heightened security measures, the police reminded the public that they are "well prepared for different scenarios" and have an "attack plan" in place.
Source: www.stern.de
