Authorities in Germany have arrested a 31-year-old man accused of using his own blood to paint swastikas on cars, mailboxes, and building facades in the central town of Hanau. The shocking incident, which left nearly 50 vehicles defaced, has drawn widespread attention and concern from both residents and city officials.
The alarm was first raised when a resident noticed a swastika drawn in a reddish liquid on the hood of a parked car and promptly notified the police. Investigators soon discovered that dozens of other vehicles and public structures had been marked in a similar fashion. Tests later confirmed that the substance used was human blood, deepening the mystery and severity of the crime.
Police identified the suspect, a Romanian national living in Hanau, after receiving a tip from a witness. Officers arrested him at his home, where he was reportedly still under the influence of alcohol. Investigators noted that he had self-inflicted injuries consistent with the use of his own blood to paint the symbols. Early reports suggest that the suspect’s actions were driven by personal frustrations, possibly linked to job-related stress.
Authorities have emphasized that the display of Nazi symbols, including the swastika, is strictly prohibited in Germany due to its association with hate crimes and the country’s Nazi past. The man is now facing multiple charges, including property damage and the use of unconstitutional symbols.
Hanau’s mayor, Claus Kaminsky, expressed deep shock and disappointment following the incident. He noted that such actions were particularly painful for the city, which still bears the scars of a racially motivated mass shooting that occurred in 2020, when nine people of immigrant descent were killed in a terrorist attack.
“Especially in our city, which was deeply affected by the racist attack five years ago, such acts cause deep distress,” the mayor stated. The city has since filed a criminal complaint, and residents have been urged to report any additional vandalism.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the act, while psychological evaluations are underway to determine the suspect’s mental state. The vandalism has reignited discussions about the persistence of extremist symbols and the need for vigilance against hate-related acts in Germany.
