German prosecutors have opened a terrorism investigation into a 21-year-old man accused of firing repeatedly at passing vehicles in Dillingen an der Donau, Bavaria. Authorities believe the suspect acted with Islamist motives and intended to cause fatal accidents.
According to the Munich General Prosecutor’s Office, the man — a Turkish citizen — allegedly hid near the B16 highway on 9 and 11 September, where he used an air rifle to shoot at 22 randomly selected cars. Investigators say his goal was to cause serious crashes and injuries among motorists. No one was hurt, though several vehicles sustained damage.
From traffic offences to terrorism charges
Police arrested the suspect on 13 September near the original scene after observing suspicious behaviour suggesting he might attack again. Officers seized a commercially available air gun and placed him in pre-trial detention on initial charges of dangerous interference with road traffic, attempted aggravated assault, and property damage.
As the inquiry progressed, evidence emerged pointing to an extremist background. The case was transferred to the Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism at the Munich prosecutor’s office. A judge has since issued a new detention order on suspicion of attempted murder in 22 cases.
Alleged extremist motive
Investigators say the suspect may have viewed the drivers as “unbelievers,” according to early findings cited by prosecutors. They believe the man sympathised with the so-called Islamic State (IS) and acted independently rather than as part of an organised cell.
Authorities emphasised that the investigation is still ongoing and that no further suspects have been identified. Forensic experts are analysing ballistic traces and digital data seized from the suspect to determine whether he had any contact with extremist networks.
Heightened vigilance in Bavaria
The incident has drawn national attention as Germany continues to monitor potential lone-actor threats inspired by Islamist ideology. Bavaria’s Interior Ministry reiterated that police presence on highways and around sensitive sites would remain heightened.
Officials praised the rapid arrest, which likely prevented further attacks. “The case shows how crucial citizen alerts and fast police response are in preventing harm,” one regional security spokesperson said.
