Driver breaks through barrier at concert in Hamburg – Police officer slightly injured

A short time after the breakthrough drive, the 36-year-old driver was stopped and arrested. According to the police, the background to his actions was initially unclear. "The background to the incident in the Eimsbüttel district, which was reported by 'Bild' and 'Hamburger Morgenpost', was still unclear."

At the time of the incident, thousands of concertgoers were moving towards the Volksparkstadion. The police stated that the people in the stadium had not noticed what had happened. Police officers secured the area over a wide radius.

Investigations and Background

The NDR reported, citing its own information, that a terrorist motive had been ruled out. "According to NDR information, a terrorist motive is ruled out." According to the information, the criminal police are conducting the investigation.

The warning shot in a densely populated urban area also sparked discussions the day after the incident about the use of firearms by the police in such situations. According to authorities, it was an emergency situation in which the officer had to protect himself and potential bystanders. The public prosecutor's office is routinely examining both the driver's behavior and the use of the firearm.

Consequences for the use of firearms

Initial investigation results suggest, according to the police, that the man may have overlooked or misjudged the barrier. There is currently no indication of a political or ideological background. Alcohol or other influencing factors are also still being examined, it was stated.

The organizers of the Linkin Park concert did not initially comment on the incident when asked. The concert itself took place as planned, according to the police; security personnel accompanied the departure of visitors for several hours. Road traffic around the Barclays Arena and the Volksparkstadion was diverted for approximately two hours.