Because of a “possible danger”, numerous police officers are on duty at a synagogue in Hagen in North Rhine-Westphalia. The police announced on Wednesday evening on Twitter. “Police protective measures have been adjusted accordingly. We are in close contact with the Jewish community,” it said. A police spokesman said on request that there were emergency services on site, but details should not be given for tactical reasons. Wednesday and Thursday is Yom Kippur, the highest Jewish holiday.
Helmeted police officers with submachine guns could be seen in photos from Hagen. One Report of the Westfalenpost According to a police force of one hundred have moved to the synagogue. The German press agency reports that the building was searched with dogs.
The police have been aware of the possible threat since late afternoon. A service on Yom Kippur that was planned for the evening had to be canceled at short notice. According to the police, there were no people in the synagogue late in the evening. There is therefore no acute risk to people, said a police spokesman for the German Press Agency. The operational situation is “static”.
The area around the synagogue was in the city center according to the police locked. Residents therefore had to identify themselves at police checks and could only get to their houses on foot. No information could yet be given about the duration of the cordon, it said on Wednesday evening.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) was informed directly about the police operation. “The minister is fully informed about the possible threat,” said a spokesman.
Hagen’s Lord Mayor Erik OSchulz returned that evening after an appointment outside of the city to get an idea of the operation. Of the Westfalenpost he said: “As little as we know about the exact situation – our thoughts are with the Jewish community of Hagen.”