Potsdam - Out of concern for islamist terrorist attack: Police moved towards raid before EM-Final
Due to concerns about an im imminent Islamic terrorist attack, Police intervened directly before the UEFA European Football Championship final against three men. Their residences in Potsdam were searched by Special Operations Commando Units from Brandenburg and Berlin, as a Police spokesperson revealed upon inquiry.
The suspects were examined based on police preventive measures legislation and detained. In Berlin, precautionary security measures were taken into account for the finale at the Olympiastadion in the evening. However, there were "no concrete indications of attack plans" reported, the spokesperson said. "The operation for the EURO final in Berlin proceeded without any notable incidents or events related to the threat warning," she added.
Tip-off from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
According to their statements, the Police received a tip regarding a possible upcoming attack. Whether this tip came from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Germany or abroad, the spokesperson did not disclose. Further details about the background of the operation could not be disclosed "for investigative tactical reasons," it was stated.
According to "Bild" newspaper, the men were already being monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution because they were known IS supporters. According to the newspaper's information, they took photos of the Memorial Church and the surrounding area with their cell phones on July 13th – apparently, to reconnoiter the area and security measures.
Traditionally, football fans gather at Breitscheidplatz before a game to celebrate. Thousands of English fans gathered there before the EURO final between the English and Spanish national teams. Thousands of Spanish fans celebrated near the Olympiastadion. Additionally, thousands of people watched the EURO final at the fan zones near the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag building.
At the Christmas market on the Breitscheidplatz, a total of 13 people were killed in an Islamic terrorist attack about eight years ago – one of them later died from the consequences. More than 70 people were injured, some seriously. An Islamic terrorist had stolen a truck on December 19, 2016, then drove it into the Christmas market at Kurfürstendamm. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot by police.
Despite the tip-off about potential attack plans, there were no concrete indications during the Constitution Protection's surveillance of the three men. The police raids in Potsdam, carried out by special units, resulted in the examination and detainment of these individuals, who were known IS supporters.
As the Constitution Protection was monitoring the situation, the European Football Championship final in Berlin proceeded without significant security incidents or related events, proving effective protection measures in place.
