Germany, Weisweiler: German police have arrested a 48-year-old man suspected of carrying out a series of attacks and attempted attacks on power distribution infrastructure across several states.
The suspect was detained near a power plant in Weisweiler, North Rhine-Westphalia, and was carrying explosives, according to Cologne police. Authorities said he offered no resistance.
The investigation follows incidents at substations and high-voltage infrastructure in Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony. The first sabotage occurred near the Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant in Brandenburg, followed hours later by a short circuit at the Bergheim power substation near Cologne.
Investigators allege that the suspect also attempted to create short circuits at several locations by using homemade launch devices to fire thin wires across high-voltage power lines.
Police discovered several such devices near a high-voltage line close to the Weisweiler plant on 7 September, together with a letter claiming responsibility. Additional letters had previously been found at other locations.
North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul said current evidence indicates the suspect acted alone. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt had earlier said authorities believed the incidents were linked to climate extremism.
Police also found a tent near the arrest location containing additional explosive charges. Bomb disposal specialists are examining the material, while officers continue checking the surrounding area for further devices.
Source: AP News
