From the BZ editorial team
If he’s caught, he’ll have to pay for the large-scale operation on Sunday at Alexanderplatz.
This was announced by the police on Monday on request. An unknown had triggered a large-scale police operation on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. By emergency call, he had threatened to drive a car “into the Christmas market”.
Dozens of police officers immediately moved to Alexanderplatz – the Christmas market area was cordoned off over a large area. Officers with submachine guns were also stationed at the tunnel on Grunerstrasse.
The area around Alexanderplatz was cordoned off extensively Photo: George Kalozois
A police spokeswoman confirmed on Monday that the caller had announced a “serious criminal offense at Alexanderplatz”.
In parallel to protecting the visitors, the investigators feverishly evaluated the call. The result: The statements would have made the officials “doubt the absolute seriousness”.
If the caller is caught, then he will have to answer for disturbing the public peace. The spokeswoman emphasized that the “person will be held liable for the considerable costs incurred” once they have been identified.
The police “did not give any further information” on the exact wording of the call, the statements made by the person and details such as language and origin.
Not even about the specific security measures taken for the Christmas market.
The amok threat immediately brought back memories of the devastating attack on the Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz six years ago. Back then, Anis Amri killed 13 people when he crashed into the square in a 40-ton truck.
