Munich’s Oktoberfest has been reopened to visitors at 5:30 p.m. after a bomb threat. The city had earlier decided to keep the festival venue closed until a full search had been completed. Between 25 and 30 sniffer dogs from across Bavaria were deployed on the Theresienwiese location, along with more than 500 police officers in total. No explosives were found.
Bomb threat discovered during major police operation
After explosions and a fire in a residential building in northern Munich, a letter containing a bomb threat against the Oktoberfest was found, according to Munich mayor Reiter. The city decided the risk was too great. Visitors who had waited at the fence in the morning for the beer festival to open turned away, while Oktoberfest staff were instructed to leave the site. Many people who were unable to attend the Oktoberfest took it in stride and headed for pubs in Munich’s city center instead.
For all the latest news and updates, visit BR24.de (In German)
Munich mayor Reiter on reopening Oktoberfest after bomb threat (In German)
Reiter: "Police confirmed, that it is safe again to visit the festival. Oktoberfest is set to reopen at 5:30 p.m. "
Oktoberfest threatened but ultimately not affected
In the evening Bavaria’s interior minister defended the closure: "The Oktoberfest itself was not affected. But it was right to take the letter with the threat seriously. After all, the man blew up his parents’ house," he said. According to police in a letter the suspect dropped into a neighbor’s mailbox, he issued a warning against going to Oktoberfest, saying there could be an "explosive surprise".
Motive: family disputs
The suspect is a 57-year-old German. Investigators said his motive appeared to be family disputes. The man had long questioned his paternity of the 21-year-old daughter. She and the suspect’s 81-year-old mother were injured. Another body, believed to be that of the 90-year-old father, remains inside the building, which still cannot be entered.
Explosive devices found in burning house - suspect dead
Explosive devices were found inside the burning house. In addition, several cars nearby have been set on fire. The suspect killed himself when police chased him while on the run. According to police, he did not have permits for weapons or explosives. Authorities have ruled out a political motive at this stage.
Rescue workers at the scene of the incident in northern Munich