Krefeld Police Shoot Suspect After Attempted Arson and Multiple Fires

On Thursday night, a dramatic series of events unfolded in the western German city of Krefeld, where police shot and injured a man suspected of setting multiple fires. The 38-year-old suspect, an Iranian citizen residing in the city, allegedly attempted to ignite a fire at a cinema near the Krefeld central station. Authorities intervened, shooting the man in the cinema foyer to prevent further damage. The suspect was later taken to the hospital for treatment, though his condition remains unclear.

Series of Fires Reported Across Krefeld

The incident began earlier that evening, around 7:50 p.m., when police received reports of fires in different parts of the city. Three separate fires were set, including at the local employment office and nearby buildings. One of the fires targeted a white minibus used by a local drug outreach charity, which was found with shattered windows and soot marks. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported from the fires.

The fires were set within a close radius of the cinema, where the suspect was later apprehended. It is believed that the man had thrown an incendiary device into the employment office, causing significant damage, before attempting to enter the cinema with a Molotov cocktail.

Motive Still Unclear, No Evidence of Terrorism

The police are still investigating the motive behind the suspect’s actions. While authorities have ruled out a terrorist attack, the exact reasons for the fires and the attempted arson at the cinema remain unknown. As of Friday, the police in Essen confirmed that the suspect was acting alone, with no further threat posed to the public.

Despite the absence of a clear motive, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the city. The crime scene around the cinema and other affected areas was cordoned off as investigators combed through the evidence. Eyewitnesses, including cinema-goers, reported seeing the suspect being shot as he tried to start another fire inside the building.

Impact on Local Transport and Residents

The fires caused disruption not only at the cinema but also across the city. The trail of destruction stretched over a distance of 900 meters, with various locations, including the employment office and a residential flat, affected. Windows were smashed, and buildings blackened by smoke, but thankfully no civilians were harmed.

As a result of the incident, train services between Mönchengladbach and Krefeld were halted temporarily, adding further inconvenience to the night. While the police clarified that the stoppage of train services was unrelated to the shooting, the timing created confusion and concern for commuters.

Investigations Ongoing

The Krefeld police have launched a full investigation into the series of fires and the suspect’s attempted arson at the cinema. The case is being handled by the criminal police, who are exploring possible links between the fires and attempting to uncover the suspect’s motivation. So far, there has been no indication of any group affiliation or wider conspiracy.

The authorities have assured residents that the city remains safe, but the incident has left many in shock, particularly given the widespread damage and the potential for more serious consequences if the police had not intervened.

For now, the focus is on determining why the suspect chose these particular locations and what led him to commit such acts. With investigations still in progress, further updates are expected as more details emerge.