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Attack on youth center in Bargteheide: State security investigates!
Politically motivated attacks are increasing: vandalism in the Bargteheide youth center and a suspected arson attack in Elmshorn.
Attack on youth center in Bargteheide: State security investigates!
On the night of Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, the autonomous youth center in Bargteheide, in the Stormarn district, was the target of a vandalism attack. Unknown perpetrators broke into the facility and left unconstitutional writings there. The police have already launched an investigation on suspicion of a politically motivated act. The youth center is an important meeting place for young people that is intended to offer them an independent space, as SPD politician Peter Beckendorf emphasizes. Video surveillance may now be installed on the City of Bargteheide site to prevent future incidents.
The incident in Bargteheide is part of a worrying trend that is evident in the statistics of politically motivated crimes in Germany. According to the report by MDR, the number of such crimes will have risen to over 84,000 in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of more than 40 percent compared to the previous year. What is particularly alarming is that almost half of these acts, around 43,000, were motivated by right-wing extremism, an increase of 48 percent. This also includes 1,488 violent crimes.
An alarming trend
The increase in right-wing extremist and anti-Semitic acts of violence is leading to increased concern among initiatives and organizations that advocate for the rights and safety of those affected. The center for those affected by right-wing attacks, Zebra e.V., warns of the growing threat of right-wing extremist violence. The incident in Bargteheide represents part of this cross-border problem, which has been increasing in recent years.
Another incident worth mentioning was the smashing of windows in the “Alte Meierei” cultural center in Kiel, also a sign of increasing aggressiveness. In Elmshorn it is even suspected that a politically motivated arson attack occurred, which resulted in a gazebo going up in flames.
Political reactions and measures
According to Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, this increase in politically motivated crimes is “extreme” and is characterized by a deep polarization of society. Dobrindt emphasized that the fight against right-wing extremism and such crimes must be continued in all areas. The youth center in Bargteheide, as a place of encounter and exchange, plays a central role in this debate and shows how important it is to create safe places of retreat for young people.
People in Bargteheide and beyond are worried. The incidents and statistics on rising violence show that it is time to look and act. How long can this continue before we work together to ensure that such attacks are no longer the order of the day?