Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt sharply criticized the judicial ruling concerning the CSD attacker, while simultaneously defending federal authorities against allegations of failure. He stated that the perpetrator was known to security services and classified as a threat, yet his conviction was suspended on probation, and he was in the midst of a deradicalization process. “I do not understand why the sentence was suspended,” Dobrindt told ARD Tagesthemen on Monday, adding that the public prosecutor’s office had already appealed the verdict, though a decision on the appeal had yet to be made.
When questioned about potential errors made by the federal authorities, the minister pointed to the decentralized nature of state responsibilities. He confirmed that technical surveillance measures against the man were handled by Berlin state authorities, but these ultimately failed to prevent the attack. He insisted that classifying him as a threat and the subsequent court proceedings were correct, locating the true problem in the outcome of the judicial decision itself.
Dobrindt offered a skeptical view of suggestions to restrict the access of high-risk individuals to rental vehicles, particularly after the attacker managed to rent a van unnoticed. “I have no faith that something like that could be solved,” the minister remarked, noting that someone who couldn’t rent a car would simply borrow, buy in a false name, or steal one. He argued that the fundamental problem needed to be addressed elsewhere.
Regarding the proposal by CSU leader Markus Söder to strip offenders of German citizenship, Dobrindt said he was willing to discuss the matter but remained cautious. He specified that such action should only apply to individuals with dual citizenship, given they held an existing second nationality, and only if they were willing to be deported to their country of origin. Calling it a “very complex undertaking,” Dobrindt emphasized that his immediate focus was on quicker, more implementable measures.
Responding to the counter-argument that there was simply insufficient staffing for surveillance, Dobrindt countered that adequate personnel and monitoring capabilities were available, noting that the issue lay instead in the inadequate application of existing laws.
Looking back at the 2016 attack on the Breitscheidplatz, the minister admitted that not all risks could be eliminated. He contended that while the state must keep threats under control as well as possible, achieving a one-hundred percent eradication of danger is impossible. He further asserted that non-German citizens needed to be deported, while those who were German citizens and considered threats needed to be managed within the country.
Prior to these remarks, it had been reported that the Interior Minister was planning a comprehensive security package. Dobrindt is campaigning for regulations that prohibit high-risk individuals from being treated under juvenile law, and certainly from being released on probation. He advocated for working more closely with restrictions on movement, for example, through electronic ankle monitors. From his perspective, preventive detention for offenders is absolutely necessary, requiring a unified implementation across all states, as the current rules in the various state police laws vary significantly.
