Human Blood Swastikas Discovered in German Town, Romanian Man Arrested

Authorities in Hanau, Germany, have arrested a 31-year-old Romanian man after the discovery of dozens of swastikas painted in human blood across the town. The unusual markings were found on vehicles, mailboxes, and building facades, with a forensic test confirming the presence of human blood. However, the amount found was not sufficient to indicate a fatal incident. Police have stated they are treating the case as property damage and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations, ruling out a political motive and instead pointing to a reaction to a workplace incident. The suspect, who had a blood alcohol level of 1.2, has been taken to a psychiatric hospital. The display of Nazi symbols, including the swastika, is illegal in Germany and can carry a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine. Police have said they are currently treating the case as property damage and the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations. Hanau mayor Claus Kaminsky has condemned the act, describing it as an affront to ‘every boundary of decency and humanity.’ He added, ‘Especially in our city, which was deeply affected by the racist attack on February 19, 2020, such an act causes deep consternation,’ according to the German press agency dpa. Kaminsky was referring to a shooting that took place in Hanau five years ago, when a German national went on a rampage in a hookah bar and killed nine people with immigrant backgrounds. The incident is considered one of the worst cases of domestic terrorism to have happened in the country since WWII.