German police arrested an armed man directly in front of the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Berlin on Monday evening, February 23, 2026, following a dramatic standoff that began with a suicide threat and a claim of carrying explosives.
According to BILD newspaper, citing an unnamed police spokesperson, the incident occurred near the CDU's federal headquarters (Bundesgeschäftsstelle) at Konrad-Adenauer-Haus in Berlin's Mitte district. Witnesses first noticed the approximately 40-year-old man—described as speaking German—walking toward the building while openly carrying what appeared to be a knife or sword. Almost simultaneously, the man called Germany's emergency line (110) himself, stating his intention to commit suicide and claiming he had explosives concealed in his jacket.
The report of a potential explosive device triggered an immediate large-scale response. Police rapidly cordoned off a wide area around the party headquarters, evacuated nearby streets and buildings, and deployed specialized crisis negotiators to establish communication with the suspect. Trained negotiators spent an extended period attempting to convince the man to surrender peacefully and drop any weapons.
When negotiations did not succeed, officers from Berlin's special police unit (Spezialeinsatzkommando, SEK) moved in and overpowered the man at the entrance to the CDU building. No shots were fired during the intervention, and no injuries were reported to police officers, bystanders, party staff, or the suspect himself.
As of Tuesday morning, February 24, authorities had not publicly released the man's identity, precise nationality, or detailed information about the weapon(s) recovered. Forensic examination of his belongings was underway to determine whether any actual explosives were present or if the claim formed part of the suicide threat or an attempt to provoke a police response. The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to face psychiatric assessment in addition to criminal charges potentially including threats to public safety, weapons violations, and—depending on findings—hoax bomb threats or intent to endanger life.
The CDU, Germany's largest party and the leading force in the current governing coalition under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, did not issue an immediate public statement on the incident. The party headquarters remained closed to visitors on Tuesday as a precautionary measure while police completed initial scene work and investigations continued.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU, the Bavarian sister party of the CDU) quickly praised the operation, calling it a "successful intervention by our security forces" and commending the professionalism of both the negotiators and the SEK unit.
Opposition figures from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and The Left party called for a comprehensive review of security arrangements around political party offices and public institutions, citing what they described as rising political tensions and threats across the ideological spectrum in Germany.
The episode occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Berlin and nationwide. In recent years, Germany has experienced a series of knife attacks, vehicle-ramming incidents, politically motivated assaults, and threats directed at politicians from various parties. Far-right extremism, Islamist radicalization, and individual grievances have all contributed to the threat landscape. Just weeks prior to this incident, elevated security alerts had been issued around key government buildings in response to intelligence indicating possible far-right or Islamist plots.
Investigators are working to establish the man's motive. Possibilities under examination include a genuine mental health crisis, personal grievances directed at the CDU or politics in general, or a politically motivated act. The specific choice of the CDU headquarters has raised questions about targeted intent, though Berlin police have urged the public and media to avoid speculation until more evidence emerges.
By Tuesday afternoon, the immediate area around the CDU headquarters had been reopened to normal traffic and pedestrian movement, although a visible police presence remained in place. The case is being led by Berlin's State Office of Criminal Investigation (Landeskriminalamt Berlin, LKA) with potential involvement of federal agencies depending on further developments.
This incident once again highlights the delicate balance German authorities must maintain between preserving open access to democratic institutions and ensuring the safety of politicians, party staff, and the public in an environment of persistent and multifaceted security risks.
