Following a security incident at Leipzig-Halle Airport, two suspects have been apprehended. As reported by the police on Monday, the individuals are Syrian nationals. The two men, aged 20 and 32, presented themselves as the drivers and registered owners of the vehicle that breached the airport’s security fence.
The younger man, aged 20, stated through his lawyer that he lost control of the vehicle within the airport premises, which subsequently allowed him to smash through the fence. He then claimed he fled the scene, and the car was later towed by private means. The 32-year-old, who acted as the registered owner, offered no detailed statement.
Investigations also revealed that the 20-year-old suspect does not possess a valid driver’s license.
The public prosecutor’s office has ordered several actions, including the search of the 20-year-old suspect, his belongings, and his residence. The vehicle was located on the grounds of the aforementioned car dealership. A judge had previously issued an order allowing its seizure and subsequent search. The investigations are being handled by the Leipzig Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Traffic Police Inspection of the Leipzig Police Directorate.
Charges are being pursued against the 20-year-old suspect for the suspected unauthorized departure from the scene of an accident and driving without a license. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old is being investigated for violating traffic regulations, as he may have permitted the 20-year-old to drive the vehicle even though it lacked a proper license. Authorities are continuing to investigate the specific events at the scene, the level of involvement of each party, and any potential motives behind the incident.
The incident occurred on Saturday around 11 p.m. damage to the airport security fence was initially detected, leading authorities to close the north runway and halt flight operations on the north side for several hours. Personnel from the Federal Police and the Leipzig Police Directorate conducted multiple searches of the area, finding neither unauthorized persons nor suspicious items.
