Arson attack in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Helpers Stop Arsonist
On the afternoon of Saturday, June 29, 2025, a 28-year-old man allegedly set fire to several altars in the Catholic parish church of St. Martin in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. According to police, the man intentionally ignited altar cloths using a lighter and caused damage estimated in the high four-figure range. Two church visitors extinguished the flames before the fire department arrived and overpowered the suspect, who has been temporarily placed in a psychiatric clinic by court order.
During the arrest, the suspect resisted and injured two female police officers as well as a man who had helped restrain him. The altars targeted were made entirely of wood and part of the church’s historic Baroque furnishings.
Parish administrator Andreas Eiben expressed relief, stating that if the visitors had arrived just five minutes later, the fire could have caused destruction comparable to the Notre-Dame fire. He praised the visitors' courage and said the parish plans to thank them publicly, possibly at the upcoming parish festival.
In light of indications that the suspected arsonist may be experiencing mental health challenges, he has been transferred to the secure ward of a psychiatric clinic, as per the court's directive. The Munich II public prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation into the suspected crime of aggravated arson.
Sources: Domradio, katholisch.de, Radio Oberland
Image: By Ricardalovesmonuments, CC BY 4.0, Wiki Commons