Grote praises police after happy end to hostage situation
Hamburg's Senator for Internal Affairs Andy Grote has thanked the emergency services following the happy end to the hostage-taking at Hamburg Airport. "There is no better way to deal with such a difficult situation," the SPD politician said on Sunday. Previously, the hostage-taking of a four-year-old girl in her father's car on the airport apron had lasted more than 18 hours.
"It is thanks to the highly professional and prudent actions of the emergency services and in particular our Hamburg police negotiating team that the hostage-taking ended peacefully and the child was freed unharmed from the father's control," said Grote.
The Senator of the Interior spoke of one of the longest and most challenging operations in recent history. "I would like to thank all colleagues of the Hamburg police for this strong performance and wish the daughter and mother that they will come to terms with the horrors of these hours as quickly and well as possible."
Despite the peaceful resolution of the hostage situation, air traffic at Hamburg Airport was significantly disrupted due to the incident. Furthermore, the incident highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance against potential criminal acts at such sensitive locations.
Source: www.dpa.com
