Berlin authorities apprehended a known far-right extremist, Daniel E., at the end of September following threats of a violent attack targeting foreigners. The incident, reported by “Der Tagesspiegel”, raises serious concerns about the ongoing threat of right-wing extremism within Germany and the potential for copycat acts of terror.
Daniel E., formerly a regional figure within the “Die Rechte” party, had been involved in the Munich Pegida movement a decade ago. Recent months placed him in close association with a young neo-Nazi and a group exhibiting extreme violence in Berlin. Security sources indicate that E., while residing in a therapeutic facility in Kreuzberg, allegedly threatened to kill numerous foreigners before attempting a “suicide by cop” intending to be killed by police and be glorified as a martyr. He reportedly cited Norwegian far-right extremist Anders Breivik as an inspiration for the planned attack.
The Berlin police swiftly responded to the credible threat, deploying a Special Operations Unit (SEK) which led to E.’s arrest. A prohibited knife was reportedly found in his possession. Following the arrest, E. was brought before a judge at the prosecution’s request and remains provisionally detained in a psychiatric hospital since the end of September 2023.
Prosecutors are investigating E. on suspicion of disturbing public order through the threat of criminal acts, harassment and violating weapons laws. While the investigation is ongoing, the case sparks critical questions about the monitoring and rehabilitation programs for individuals with extremist backgrounds, particularly those exhibiting increasingly violent rhetoric and demonstrating a clear intent to emulate extremist attacks. The mere existence of an individual with E.’s history residing in a therapeutic setting and seemingly able to plan and articulate such a violent act highlights potential failings in the current system of monitoring and intervention. The psychiatric assessment of the defendant remains pending and its findings are expected to be crucial in determining the legal proceedings and potential future risk assessment.
