Investigators examine connection between Reutlingen substation fire and left-wing extremist blog

Background on the "Switch off" blog

On the "Switch off" blog, the Reutlingen incident had been published alongside other reports under the category "Actions/Sabotage." According to the LKA, however, no claim of responsibility has been found on the blog so far. All incoming tips would be reviewed, as stated: "Alle Hinweise würden geprüft." The LKA in Stuttgart was initially unable to provide information on the number of crimes linked to the designation "Switch off" according to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

The BfV states on its website that the blog is a campaign linking anti-capitalism with climate policy. The exact wording is: "Laut dem Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV) handelt es sich bei dem Blog 'Switch off' um eine Kampagne, die Antikapitalismus mit Klimapolitik verknüpft." It also states there that the campaign has, on the one hand, the goal "zur Begehung von Straftaten zu animieren".

In addition, the campaign offers violence-oriented left-wing extremists the opportunity to "Kämpfe in einen gemeinsamen Kontext zu setzen" and thereby connect them. According to BfV information, more than 100 crimes in Germany have been linked to the designation "Switch off." The LKA in Stuttgart was initially unable to provide information on these figures.

Previous investigations and leads

The "Solidarisches Kollektiv Reutlingen" stated, according to reports, that it fights for a better life for all. The group also pointed out that a power outage in Berlin likewise cannot yet be conclusively attributed to a left-wing group.

Overall, according to the LKA, only a few people have so far come forward claiming to have made observations on the night of the incident. The authority issued a renewed appeal for tips from the public. The cause of the fire remains unclear; a technical defect or deliberate arson are considered possible explanations.

Political assessment by the BfV

The state security division of the LKA Stuttgart is conducting the investigation, among other things, with regard to a possible political background. How long the examination of the blog entry will take remained unclear initially. The evaluation of digital traces as well as the questioning of potential witnesses is ongoing.