Bavarian Authorities Investigate Police After Soldier Injured during Military Exercise
Erding, Bavaria - following an incident during a large-scale Bundeswehr exercise near Erding on October 22nd, Bavarian prosecutors have launched an inquiry into three police officers on suspicion of attempted manslaughter. The probe was initiated after a formal complaint was filed regarding the shooting of a soldier.
The incident occurred during “Marshal Power,” a Bundeswehr exercise, when witnesses perceived a military police officer – a Feldjäger – as a threat and alerted local police. Believing they were responding to a genuine antagonistic situation, officers discharged their weapons. A soldier sustained a minor injury in the ensuing exchange of gunfire. The Bundeswehr maintains its personnel believed the gunfire was part of the planned exercise.
According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, police contacted the Bundeswehr’s Feldjägerregiment to ascertain if the activity was part of the exercise, initially receiving a negative response. Herrmann stated the first scenario of the Bundeswehr exercise wasn’t scheduled to begin until October 23rd, leading authorities to believe they were facing a real threat.
The exercise was temporarily suspended following the shooting. The Bundeswehr has indicated it will enhance preparation protocols for future drills to prevent similar occurrences. The investigation is ongoing.
