German authorities are actively pursuing a climate extremist suspected of orchestrating a series of attacks on the nation’s electricity substations this week. The 48-year-old man, identified in local media as Daniel V., allegedly claimed responsibility for the acts through written letters. During searches of his apartment, investigators reportedly uncovered suspicious substances, including suspected explosives.
The recent incidents have caused concern across Germany. These attacks apparently aimed to disrupt power from coal-fired power stations, potentially causing widespread blackouts. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated, “We must assume that this is a case of climate extremism.”
Police initiated raids earlier in the week. Officers targeted the suspect’s apartment in Gevelsberg, located in western North Rhine-Westphalia. This action followed the receipt of letters by security officials and media, detailing his claims. Herbert Reul, the state’s interior minister, confirmed the discovery of “suspicious substances and suspected explosive materials or devices” at the site.
Moreover, the minister affirmed the authenticity of the letters. They contained specific descriptions of the attack plans. The author cited the “fight against fossil fuels” as his primary motivation. However, Reul strongly condemned the actions, stressing that “attacking critical infrastructure is a crime… There is no justification for this crime, no ideology that counts as an excuse.”
Meanwhile, an elite police unit reportedly stormed a truck in the symbolic Hambach Forest. This area, also in North Rhine-Westphalia, was believed to belong to Daniel V. However, the operation failed to apprehend him. Hambach Forest holds deep significance for Germany’s climate movement. Activists have historically protested plans to clear vast forest areas for lignite mine expansion there.
The attacks followed a consistent methodology. Firework-like devices were used to propel wires at overhead cables at substations. This method aimed to induce short circuits, thereby cutting power from nearby coal-powered plants. The first incident occurred Tuesday morning in Brandenburg, damaging cables. A second attack later that day targeted a substation in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Despite these attempts, there were no major widespread outages. Nevertheless, several power-generating units at some plants had to be temporarily taken offline. Authorities also noted that the suspect confessed in his letters to planning further attacks. Devices designed to launch small rockets were subsequently found at other undisclosed locations.
Germany has experienced a number of power grid attacks recently. Far-left activists have claimed responsibility for some past incidents. For example, the “Vulkangruppe” (Volcano Group) took credit for a January arson attack in Berlin. That incident caused a week-long electricity outage for tens of thousands of homes and businesses during winter.
