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Man Held Over Fire Outside Gießen Synagogue After Video Shows Hitler Salute

State protection investigators are weighing psychiatric placement for the suspect.

Overview

  • A witness reported a burning trash container around 8:35 p.m. outside the Beith-Jaakov synagogue on Burggraben, prompting a rapid police and fire response.
  • Officers detained a 32-year-old German at the scene, and police say preliminary findings indicate he acted alone.
  • Surveillance footage authenticated by police shows the suspect performing a Hitler salute before igniting paper in two roll containers.
  • Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which damaged a roller shutter and the entrance gate; no injuries were reported and the damage total is pending.
  • The state protection division has taken over the investigation, no political motive is confirmed, and the suspect is to be brought before a magistrate with a psychiatric evaluation under consideration.