Several arson attacks took place in Leibertingen (Baden-Württemberg) last week. According to the police, a 22-year-old man threw Molotov cocktails at a car and two neighbouring houses. He also attacked police officers and other emergency services with incendiary devices. It has now emerged that the attacks were probably politically motivated. Among the victims of the arson attempt was Michael Koppatz, a former politician and active member of the AfD (Alternative for Germany).
The mother of the alleged perpetrator, Tobias K., is the mayor of a neighbouring town.
The suspect first set fire to Koppatz’s wife’s company car in the parking lot. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire in time before it spread to Koppatz’s house. Shortly afterwards, he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the window of Koppatz’s house, but it did not cause any damage. The former MP retired from politics some time ago because he no longer agreed with some of the party’s policies.
While police officers and a firefighter were investigating the scene of the fire, another Molotov cocktail was thrown at them, landing a few meters in front of them and exploding on the street.
Tobias K. quickly became the focus of the investigation. His room in his parents’ house was searched, and “several items indicating his involvement in the crime” were seized. He is currently under investigation for aggravated arson and attempted murder.
