Merz Asks Why Berlin Attack Suspect Was Not Tracked

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned how the suspect in the attack during the Christopher Street Day celebrations in Berlin was able to reach the scene despite reportedly being under constant surveillance by security services. He did not rule out changes to the law.

Merz said he did not understand why the authorities were unable to track the movements of a person classified as a security threat, given that modern technology makes it possible to determine the location of a mobile phone or tablet remotely. He said it was essential to establish whether the attack could have been prevented.

The chancellor stressed that it was too early to discuss specific political consequences. He said the government would respond prudently but decisively, adding that the attack was directed not only against its immediate victims but also against freedom and liberal values.

Merz also said the suspect appeared to hold only German citizenship, meaning it was not possible to revoke his nationality. However, he argued that the rules governing the movement of individuals deemed security threats should be reassessed and acknowledged that legislative changes might be required.

Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the person killed in the weekend attack in Berlin was a Polish citizen. “We express our sincere condolences to the victim's family and loved ones”, Foreign Ministry spokesman Maciej Wewior wrote on the social media platform X.

(Reuters, bak)