Hostility towards Israel at a train station - Railway worker disparages Steinmeier as a "murderer."
It's 1pm at Berlin South Railway Station where Steinmeier, the Federal President, is getting ready to catch a train to Erfurt in Thuringia. He's got a speech to deliver at the 103rd German Catholic Day. Protected by BKA personal guards, there are also two police officers in uniform standing nearby.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a uniformed German Rail employee approaches the president. He politely asks if he could share his thoughts with Steinmeier. The polite president nods his head. But instead of sharing pleasantries, the worker shouts, "You're aiding genocide!" and quickly raises the volume with, "You're a murderer!"
The police officers spring into action, identifying the man and securing any potential video evidence. They question fellow bystanders and start a criminal investigation. The Secret State Protection of the Berlin LKA will conduct further inquiries in this case.
It's illegal to defame the Federal President (§ 90 StGB). This offense can result in serving five years in prison.
This wasn't the first time someone's accused Steinmeier of committing genocide. People with a hatred for Israel frequently use this absurd claim even though there's no credible evidence behind it.
At 1:30pm, the Federal President left Berlin for Erfurt, facing no more incidents during his journey.
