Germany: AfD Chairman Tino Chrupalla Hospitalized After Suspected Left-Wing Syringe Attack

In a disturbing turn of events during the Bavarian election campaign, Tino Chrupalla, the national chairman of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, appears to have been deliberately targeted within a crowd. Although Bavarian police have yet to confirm the details, reports from internal sources suggest the use of a needle or syringe in the attack. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks against AfD politicians by government-funded violent entities, such as Antifa, and migrants, highlighting the growing concerns over their safety. Notably, the AfD is Germany’s sole conservative party, making these events all the more significant.

Chrupalla, who has led the AfD for almost four years at the age of 48, assumed his role alongside chairwoman Alice Weidel in June 2022. Weidel was recently compelled to withdraw from a scheduled rally due to security threats. Now, in a troubling turn of events, the party’s co-chair, Chrupalla, is said to have been attacked and injured during a campaign event in Bavaria.”

Police Seek Public Assistance

The Upper Bavaria North Police Department reports, “This afternoon, an AfD campaign event occurred at Ingolstadt’s Theaterplatz. Around 4:30 pm, before the start of his speech, Bundestag member Chrupalla had to receive medical attention behind the stage. The politician was then taken to a hospital, with no apparent injury visible at that time.

The Criminal Police Inspection in Ingolstadt has taken over the investigation “to clarify the circumstances of this medical incident.” An AfD spokesman told the German DPA news agency late on Wednesday that Chrupalla’s condition was stable and that he would be “under intensive medical surveillance overnight.

The Bavarian police also urge any witnesses who may have taken photos or videos during the event to “provide them to the police.” They have provided an upload portal for this purpose.

Men in Black Clothing with Syringe

The exact details of the incident in Ingolstadt remain unclear. However, it is confirmed that Chrupalla was scheduled to deliver a speech in Ingolstadt. Shortly before the event, an incident occurred in the crowd, leading to an abrupt change in plans. The AfD national headquarters described it as a “physical assault” on the party leader. He was subsequently taken to a hospital, and his health status is “still under evaluation.” The Ingolstadt police have not provided any details either.

As reported by the “Bayerische Rundfunk,” it was not due to a health issue, as had been speculated on social media. According to the “Donaukurier,” Chrupalla was transported to a police car and then transported to a hospital. The public broadcaster reports that, according to sources in Chrupalla’s Berlin circle, he may have been pricked with a needle. Consequently, he remains hospitalized for observation.

The “Junge Freiheit” reports that Katrin Ebner-Steiner, the AfD’s top candidate for the Bavarian State Parliament, claimed that a syringe was allegedly found.

Austrian journalist Gerald Grosz, an invited speaker at the event, corroborated the attack in an interview with the newspaper. He revealed that when Chrupalla began feeling unwell, he gestured towards two young men under police interrogation. The newspaper also published a photo of two young men in black clothing who are considered suspects. Grosz spoke of an “anaphylactic shock” that Chrupalla suffered from the attack shortly after the attempted “assassination.” He also mentioned the discovery of a needle. Additionally, according to accounts from other witnesses, the police arrested two individuals believed to be the perpetrators.

However, Saxon AfD state parliament member Lars Kuppi posted on Facebook: “The fight against the Right is escalating into terror against the Right” and mentioned a “syringe attack on Tino Chrupalla.”

Poll Results: AfD at 14% in Bavaria

The new Bavarian State Parliament is set to be elected on Sunday, October 8th. This body will subsequently appoint the State Parliament President and the presidium, followed by the election of the Minister-President and confirmation of government members. The State Parliament will also pass Bavaria’s state budget and laws and control the government and administration. In short, it is a contest for power in the Free State of Bavaria.

According to poll results, the AfD is polling 14.0% in Bavaria, closely trailing the Greens (15.0%) and the Free Voters (15%). Traditionally, the CSU leads with 36% of the poll votes.

A Pattern of Violence Against Conservative Politicians

The attack on Chrupalla is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of violence and hostility directed towards conservative politicians in Germany. The AfD has been a frequent target of such attacks, ranging from acts of arson, harassment, and intimidation to doxing, vandalism, and even assassination attempts. These acts of aggression have created a dangerous environment for conservative politicians, who face threats to their physical safety and well-being.

On October 3, German Unity Day, Alice Weidel had to cancel a planned public appearance in Mödlareuth, a Bavarian-Thuringian border town. According to a spokesperson, there was a “security-related incident.” “The AfD Chairwoman and her family were taken from their private residence to a safe location by security authorities because there were indications of an attack on her family,” he responded to an inquiry.

Beatrix von Storch, an AfD lawmaker, was recently targeted by a violent left-wing protester who smeared her with dog excrement following another brutal assault on AfD politician Andreas Jurca. Jurca, the head of AfD in the Bavarian district of Augsburg, was brutally assaulted en route to a campaign event, casting a somber light on the escalating physical dangers confronting conservative politicians in Germany.

Context: Rise of the AfD and Suppression of Conservative Voices

The rise of the AfD can be traced back to widespread discontent over Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-border policies, which led to the influx of over a million predominantly Muslim migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. These policies raised security concerns and contributed to criminal incidents that disproportionately affected German citizens. The AfD emerged as a political force in response to these challenges, advocating for conservative values and immigration reform.

Despite their role as a political alternative, AfD members face numerous challenges beyond the political arena. For instance, Tino Chrupalla recently disclosed that Postbank, a retail banking division of the massive financial institution Deutsche Bank, has terminated his account solely because of his affiliation with the AfD. This incident underscores the challenges and discrimination faced by AfD members in various aspects of their lives, not just in the realm of politics.

Moreover, the violent attacks against AfD members raise serious concerns about suppressing opposing voices in the political arena. Germany’s left-wing President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a political opponent of the AfD, hinted earlier this month that the country might need to ban the nativist party to protect German democracy. This move is an attempt by the left to eliminate their most significant threat and maintain their hold on power.

A Global Trend: Targeting Conservative Politicians

The targeting of conservative politicians is not unique to Germany. Similar incidents have been reported in other European countries and beyond. Conservative politicians and their families in Italy, Spain (here), France, and Brazil have faced violence and intimidation for challenging prevailing political narratives and advocating for conservative or classical values. These incidents underscore the escalating dangers faced by politicians who dare to voice dissenting opinions.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Democracy

The recent attacks on conservative politicians in Germany, including the unsettling incident involving Tino Chrupalla, are stark reminders of the growing climate of violence and intimidation directed at those with right-leaning ideologies. They highlight the urgent need to protect democratic values, free speech, and the right to dissent, even in the face of vehement opposition. The targeting of conservative voices is a troubling trend that threatens the fabric of democracy itself, and it is incumbent upon society to condemn such acts and ensure the safety and security of all political representatives, regardless of their beliefs. The world must stand vigilant against the erosion of political discourse and the rise of violence to silence their opponents.