Internal security
Protection for Cologne Cathedral: Terrorist information should be taken “very” seriously
A police vehicle is parked in front of Cologne Cathedral. The police are well prepared for the turn of the year, “for whatever may come,” says operations manager Martin Lotz. photo
© Oliver Berg/dpa
Security at Cologne Cathedral was increased at Christmas. The reason: indications of a possible attack. Before New Year’s Eve, the police prepare the population for officers with submachine guns.
It could also be that police officers with submachine guns will be seen in Cologne. “That can seem disturbing, I know that,” said Lotz. But the measure is important to enable the population to celebrate peacefully.
Before Christmas, the security authorities had received information about a possible attack plan by an Islamist group that was related to New Year’s Eve. Security precautions at the cathedral had already been increased for the Christmas celebrations. The cathedral was initially closed to tourists.
No all-clear in Cologne
On Christmas Eve, the police in Wesel took a 30-year-old into custody “to avert danger.” The Tajik is suspected of spying on the cathedral.
The all-clear has not yet been announced in Cologne. The investigation has not yet been completed, explained operations manager Lotz. It is therefore foreseeable that the protective measures will initially continue after New Year’s Eve.
The police are well prepared for the turn of the year, “for whatever may come,” he said. The head of operations did not name a specific number of officers who would be on the streets of Cologne. However, more than 1,000 police officers are deployed for “special measures”. The normal patrol service has also been increased.
Police are asking for information
Lotz also asked the public for help. If you find something suspicious, don’t be afraid to let us know. As an example, he cited “people who behave strangely or walk around with luggage in a conspicuous manner.”
Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns described the indications of a planned attack on the cathedral as “very serious.” On December 21st, the State Criminal Police Office and the Cologne police were initially informed verbally by the Federal Criminal Police Office of “indications of a possible attack scenario also on Cologne Cathedral on New Year’s Eve or at the turn of the year,” he said. Further checks showed that these were “very serious indications”. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is conducting the criminal investigation.
Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker said that one should not allow oneself to be intimidated by threats. “The cathedral has defied everyone and everything for centuries,” she said. “And so it should stay.”