According to Essen Mayor Thomas Köven (CDU), suspected arson in Essen that resulted in around 30 people being injured were directed against members of the same family. “It is clear that these actions were specifically targeting a family,” Coffin said. He was particularly impressed by the fact that it is acceptable for young children to get hurt. The city of the Ruhr region witnessed “dramatic hours.”
Coffin thanked the fire department, rescue workers and police for their very good work. “I would like to thank everyone who quietly helped apprehend the alleged perpetrator for their moral courage.” Several men, some with shovels and poles in hand, caught the perpetrator and detained him until the police arrived.