German Police Stop Plot to Attack Marathon Runners in Berlin
German police have detained six people over allegations of an extremist attack at Berlin’s half-marathon. It is believed that the six individuals were going to use knives to attack marathon runners and spectators. In a joint statement, police and prosecutors wrote: “There were isolated indications that those arrested, aged between 18 and 21 years, were participating in the preparation of a crime in connection with this event.”
The main suspect is thought to be acquaintances with Anis Amri, a Tunisian who killed 12 people and injured dozens more after driving a truck through a Christmas market in Berlin in December 2016. One of the suspects’ apartments – that was raided linked to the attempted attack on marathon-goers – was also searched in 2016 after the Christmas market massacre.
The main suspect, who has not been named, had his home searched by police and dogs, with the dogs showing indications that there were explosives in the house’s basement.
