Southern Germany rocked by arson, vandalism and violent clashes in days of unrest

From a suspected arson at a care home to black-painted election posters, tensions flare across towns. Police hunt suspects as damages—and tempers—rise.

, and Administrator

2026 January 12 . 11:28 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old newspaper with a cartoon of a man in a top hat and a woman in a dress, both... — The image shows an old newspaper with a cartoon of a man in a top hat and a woman in a dress, both of whom appear to be in a state of distress. The text on the paper reads "Berliner Wespn, July 1873".

Southern Germany rocked by arson, vandalism and violent clashes in days of unrest

Several incidents have disrupted communities across southern Germany in recent days. A suspected arson attack in Gammertingen led to an evacuation, while vandalism targeted political posters in Schwenningen. Meanwhile, separate altercations and thefts, including an attempted theft of cosmetics worth several thousand euros, have resulted in arrests and ongoing investigations.

In Gammertingen, a fire broke out in a laundry basket at a care facility in the Mariaberg district. The blaze triggered an evacuation and caused damage estimated at several hundred euros. Police suspect arson and are searching for the unknown perpetrator responsible.

Away from the fire, election posters from five different parties were vandalised in Schwenningen. The posters, displayed along Stettener Straße and Hauptstraße, were covered in black paint. The damage is expected to cost several hundred euros to repair. In Bad Saulgau, a 26-year-old man was remanded in custody after attempting to steal cosmetics worth several thousand euros from a supermarket. The suspect was detained following a failed commercial theft, but his accomplice remains at large. Separately, a physical altercation on Bahnhofstraße in Sigmaringen left a 19-year-old with a black eye. The fight, which stemmed from prior personal conflicts, has led to an assault charge against an 18-year-old involved. Police continue to investigate each case, with some suspects already in custody and others still being pursued.

The incidents have led to property damage, injuries, and arrests across the region. Authorities are actively pursuing those still at large while assessing the full extent of the losses. Further updates will depend on ongoing investigations and court proceedings.