Police said they stopped 1,210 people from the start of the fair on Friday through Monday night and 1 a.m. Tuesday, and searched 882 of them. They searched 355 bags or backpacks, and seized 14 knives, police said.
So far, 71 people have been ejected, most for drinking too much. Police say only three people have been detained, as most of the victims complied. Police have opened investigations into 24 cases, including six thefts and four assaults. At the start of the fair on Friday, police wrote of a “generally calm operation.” Sunday was also relatively quiet, officials said. So far, there have been only a few instances of large-scale deployments by police.
On Sunday, police identified the 17-year-old suspect in the previous day’s assault at the scene and banned him from entering the Fürstschenmarkt area for the rest of the day. He could face a fine of €250 if he breaks the rule, police said.
Pützchens Markt: 7 people in a 5-seater car
Police also stopped a five-seater BMW in the Pützchenmarkt area on Sunday evening, where seven people were staying. During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver (43 years old) had not only provided false information, but was also wanted on two warrants for fraud, wage garnishment and embezzlement. In addition, a preliminary rapid drug test showed that the man had possibly consumed cocaine, and police also found a one-handed knife, which is prohibited under the Firearms Act, in the BMW’s glove compartment. Police took the 43-year-old man to the police station. He is currently being investigated on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act and the Firearms Act. Police confiscated the one-handed knife.
A teenager was robbed on Saturday.
On Saturday evening at around 7 p.m., a 13-year-old boy was robbed by five young men of the same age. The perpetrators kicked and beat him and eventually stole 5 euros from his trousers pocket. The 13-year-old boy was treated as an outpatient. The perpetrator has not been found. The police in Bonn are asking the suspect to contact them by phone at 0228-150 or by email at kk14.Bonn@polizei.nrw.de. According to a police spokesperson, the incident is not related to the incident of a 17-year-old suspect who was found at the scene last Sunday with suspicion of bodily harm.
A quiet Monday
According to police, due to bad weather, there were fewer visitors to the market during the day than the previous day. Many visitors left the site in the early evening. The Bavaria tent was well attended due to the after-party held there. However, after the event ended, the tent was quickly emptied around 1 a.m., and the remaining festival-goers quickly checked the 27 vehicles around the market on Monday.
Reul at Pützchens Markt: “Increase your sense of security a little more”
Following a recent knife attack at a folk festival, NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst and NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (both CDU) paid a demonstration visit to the Pützchen market over the weekend.
“People are rightly asking us to be more secure,” Reul said during a late Saturday evening visit. “Terrorism and these guys shouldn’t win because we’re not going to the festival because of fear. It’s really important to keep partying and going out.”
On August 23, three people were killed and eight injured in a suspected Islamist knife attack in Solingen. A 26-year-old Syrian man was detained on suspicion of the crime. A German woman was overpowered in Siegen and injured six people on a bus, some seriously with a knife.
More police presence at Pützchen market
“We have deployed additional personnel given the current situation. Last year we had about 100 personnel on duty, this year we will have 140 to 150 personnel on duty during peak times,” said Frank Hoefer, Bonn police chief.
NRW Prime Minister Wüst thanked the security forces for their efforts. “Folk festivals like the Pützchens Markt symbolize the pure joy of life,” said Wüst. “Our police play a crucial role in ensuring that this is the case. They radiate security, provide protection and are vigilant. In these times, this is more important than ever.”
The state government is committed to ensuring the safety of large-scale public festivals by using all possible means. It is unacceptable that people can no longer dare to attend such celebrations for fear of violence.
After the attacks in Solingen and Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) issued a decree ordering more police presence and identity checks at folk festivals, even if there is no particular danger. Every knife seized during a person or bag check means one less potential danger.
