Authority figures are currently on the hunt for the individual responsible for setting fires in Korntal
In the quiet town of Korntal-Münchingen, a fire incident at a construction materials store in June has left authorities searching for answers. The police are investigating the possible connection of the incident to the Bruderhof community and are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspected arsonist.
The suspect is described as a person riding a mountain bike, dressed in dark clothing, carrying a red backpack, and wearing a balaclava. Witnesses who can provide information about the suspect or the mountain bike can contact the criminal police at 0800/ 1 10 02 25 or by email at [email protected].
The police believe that the suspect removed Israeli flags from the silos and set fires at several points on the company premises. The suspect is said to have fled the scene on a mountain bike and drove away towards the town center via the valley road at around 5:30 AM on the day of the fire.
The total damage caused by the fire is estimated to be around 1.5 million euros. The "Silo" investigative group, operating under the leadership of the state protection department, has been formed to investigate the case. The group has received five tips from witnesses, which are currently being checked.
The police are also hoping for more tips through the publication of images captured by surveillance cameras located on the company premises.
Korntal is known as the cradle of Württemberg Pietism, and the Bruderhof community, with its biblical faithfulness at its core, was founded in 1819 as a pietistic community based on the model of New Testament communities. The community's senior CEO, Paul Ulrich Link, is closely connected to the Bruderhof community.
In an interesting twist, the Bruderhof community in Korntal-Münchingen planted a forest in Israel in 1999, donating 50,000 trees for the afforestation of the Israeli desert. The Jewish National Fund, which collects money worldwide to finance projects like the "Wald der deutschen Länder," was the recipient of this generous donation.
The "Wald der deutschen Länder" project, state-funded and aimed to make parts of the Negev desert habitable by planting various tree species, was initiated by then Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Johannes Rau, who planted the first tree for the project in 1991.
As the investigation continues, the community and the town of Korntal-Münchingen await answers and a resolution to this unusual incident.
