German police arrest 17-year-old Syrian for plotting IS-inspired bomb attack in Hamburg
German police arrested a 17-year-old Syrian in Hamburg on Thursday for allegedly preparing a bomb attack inspired by the Islamic State militant group. The suspect had scouted targets including a shopping center and a police station, and had already obtained fertilizer for the attack, prosecutors said Monday. He also considered using Molotov cocktails or a knife as alternative methods.
German police arrested a 17-year-old Syrian in Hamburg on Thursday (May 7, 2026) for allegedly preparing a bomb attack inspired by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist militia, prosecutors said Monday.
Special police forces detained the suspect in Hamburg. The Hamburg General Prosecutor's Office announced the arrest on Monday (May 11, 2026), stating that the teenager had scouted targets including a shopping center and a police station. He had already obtained fertilizer for the attack, prosecutors said. As alternative methods, he considered using Molotov cocktails or a knife.
During a search of the suspect's premises, investigators found universal fertilizer, liquid grill lighter, a knife, and a balaclava. The investigation was "decisively" supported by the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), and the Hamburg State Criminal Police Office (LKA), according to the prosecutor's office.
The Hamburg General Prosecutor's Office said it had already ordered a psychiatric evaluation of the 17-year-old prior to the arrest. That order stemmed from an earlier investigation into the suspect for suspected violation of the Associations Act and other offenses.