Police Raids Uncover Weapons and Explosives at AfD Politician's Residence
In a significant operation in southwestern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, law enforcement officials have seized weapons and explosives from the residence of a local Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician. According to reports, the individual involved is Philip Steinbeck, a member of the Kreistag in Ludwigslust-Parchim.
The police confirmed the operation, stating that the findings are subject to investigation to determine their legal implications. Concerns have been raised regarding the nature of the weapons, with reports indicating the potential violation of arms control laws.
The raid took place following a series of prior incidents involving the politician's residence. Earlier this year, police responded to a report of armed intruders at the same address, although no threat was established at that time. During that visit, authorities confiscated legally registered firearms from the home to mitigate any risks.
The recent police action was extensive, involving approximately 60 officers, including specialized units and explosive detection dogs. The operation lasted from early morning until late at night, showcasing the seriousness of the investigation.
Steinbeck has expressed concerns about his safety, citing ongoing threats against him. He maintains that the materials found during the raid do not constitute illegal arms, referring to some items as decorative weapons rather than military-grade arms.
The local prosecutor's office confirmed that insights gained from the previous incident contributed to the recent searches. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Interior praised the police's professionalism and decisiveness in handling the situation, labeling the discoveries as alarming.
This incident has sparked political discussions, with local leaders from various parties calling for further investigation into the implications of the findings and the potential political connections involved. The situation is being closely monitored as more details emerge.