Munich’s Oktoberfest, usually marked by festive cheer and Bavarian traditions, saw two serious assaults on Sunday evening.
According to police, both incidents occurred inside festival tents and involved attacks on security staff and visitors.
Visitor strikes security guard with beer mug
Around 6:30 p.m., security personnel attempted to escort a guest out of one of the tents.
The situation escalated when a 25-year-old man from New Zealand, currently without a permanent residence in Germany, suddenly hit the guard on the head with a one-liter beer mug.
The security employee suffered redness and headaches but chose to seek medical treatment independently.
Police officers brought both parties to the Wiesn station. The suspect was required to pay a security deposit of €5,000 before being released.
Late-night altercation between visitors
Just a few hours later, around 10:30 p.m., another dispute broke out in a different tent.
A 29-year-old German citizen living in Switzerland allegedly struck a 32-year-old Munich resident from behind with an unidentified object.
The victim sustained a head wound that was treated by paramedics on site.
According to police, the suspected attacker displayed aggressive behavior and resisted cooperation.
After being processed by authorities, he was released upon paying a €15,000 deposit.
Criminal investigations underway
The Munich criminal police have opened investigations in both cases.
Despite the alarming incidents, no further injuries to bystanders were reported.
Police stressed that security measures at the world’s largest folk festival remain in place to protect visitors and staff.
