German police nab Daesh terror suspect amid Euro 2024 security concerns
German anti-terror police apprehended a 23-year-old for attempting to infiltrate the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship as a security guard. The suspect was caught trying to secure a position in the security team for ‘side events’ outside a stadium.
Authorities uncover security threat
German authorities, during a routine assessment of the suspect’s job application, discovered state security services had flagged him as a potential terror threat. This led to a swift operation by Cologne police, leading to the arrest of the suspect at Cologne-Bonn Airport.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had also applied for security roles at other significant events in Germany, including the 24-hour Nurburgring motorsport endurance race and the Rock am Ring music festival. This raised additional concerns about his intentions, revealed sources.
In a thorough search of the suspect’s apartment, authorities confiscated data storage devices, phones and computers. Federal investigators from Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office have also obtained his bank account and online activity records to further the investigation.
Enhanced security measures for Euro 2024
The arrest comes as German authorities ramp up security measures for the upcoming Euro 2024 football tournament. With up to millions of people expected to visit Germany, German police are preparing to handle a range of threats, including terrorism, hooliganism and organized crime.
German Federal officers, totaling 22,000, will be stationed at borders, stadiums, public viewing areas and travel hubs. The annual leave for police officers has been suspended for the tournament’s duration.
Germany has also enlisted around 300 international security experts to monitor and gather intelligence on potential threats during the tournament. Enhanced border controls are being implemented to address ‘football-related threats’ and broader global security risks, according to the European Commission.
Official statements on readiness to tackle challenges
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reassured the public last week, stating: “The police will have a strong presence wherever large numbers of people are on the move. This will be a major effort for the state police forces and the federal police, but it is also crucial for the tournament.”
“During the European Football Championship, the federal police will carry out checks at all German borders and take measures to protect airports and rail stations. We are very vigilant and well prepared,” she told a news conference in Berlin.
Faeser said German authorities have taken additional security measures against potential terror threats, cyberattacks, violence by hooligans and criminal offenses.
“We are very much looking forward to hosting the European Football Championship in our country. We are expecting 2.7 million people in the stadiums, and up to 12 million people in the fan zones,” she said, adding that federal authorities will be coordinating security measures with local officials.
