Authorities in Brandenburg have detained a 15-year-old from Teltow-Fläming on suspicion of planning an attack on a church in Berlin. The arrest took place on Christmas Day following intelligence that suggested a politically motivated plot during the holiday season.
Suspected Links to the Islamic State
According to Brandenburg police, security agencies had received information indicating a potential threat, which became more concrete on Christmas Eve. Early findings suggest the intended target was a Berlin church. The suspect, a teenager from Zossen with Iraqi roots, reportedly had contact via Telegram with individuals believed to be connected to the Islamic State (IS).
ARD terrorism expert Michael Götschenberg reported that the critical intelligence came from a foreign intelligence agency, which alerted Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Working with Brandenburg’s domestic intelligence service, they were able to locate and identify the suspect. Authorities stated that the teenager had not previously been identified as an extremist.
Police Raid on Christmas Day
A special police task force searched the suspect’s home on Christmas Day. Although no firearms or explosives were discovered, the 15-year-old was taken into custody. The Potsdam District Court later confirmed his detention. A decision regarding a possible arrest warrant is expected in the coming days.
Authorities have not disclosed detailed information about the alleged attack plans, citing the suspect’s minor status. It remains unclear whether the teenager acted alone or if he would have carried out the attack had he not been detained.
Response from Officials
Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) expressed her gratitude to the involved officers for their swift action. She emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating all potential threats to public safety. “This has been done effectively,” she stated.
As investigations continue, security agencies remain focused on assessing the extent of the threat and any potential connections to extremist networks.
