Police reportedly thwarted an attempted attack on Prime Minister Friedrich Merz’s private aircraft during the night before Thursday. Three individuals-two women and a man aged 23, 56, and 28-were arrested after entering the premises of the Arnsberg‑Menden airfield. All were German nationals and were described as belonging to the climate‑activist movement, with authorities suggesting they had intended to damage a parked aircraft owned by the Chancellor.
Earlier in the same day, police had identified a fourth person during a routine traffic stop. He claimed to be searching for the local airfield, and the police already possessed information linking him to politically motivated crime. This intelligence prompted the police to focus on the airfield, where they subsequently discovered and detained the three intruders who had gained unlawful access.
According to the authorities, the planned protest action was therefore prevented.