A 37-year-old man was arrested following an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Wuppertal, Germany, with prosecutors citing an antisemitic motive.

Prosecutors in Wuppertal, Germany, have launched an investigation into an attempted arson attack on a local synagogue that occurred on Thursday afternoon. A 37-year-old Afghan national was arrested near the scene shortly after the incident, during which he allegedly threw flammable liquid at the building's entrance and set it on fire.

Incident details and investigation

The fire targeted a stairwell and doorway serving the synagogue and its adjoining eatery, Cafe Negev. A staff member extinguished the flames quickly, resulting in minimal structural damage and no injuries. Prosecutors stated that the suspect made comments indicating an antisemitic motive during his arrest, and video surveillance footage has identified him as the primary suspect.

Suspect background and evidence

The suspect, a Wuppertal resident, has a prior criminal record for threatening a neighbor. Following a search of his apartment, police recovered several knives and a machete. Authorities are currently analyzing data from the suspect's confiscated mobile phone and conducting an intensive background investigation.

Public and official response

Approximately 30 people held an impromptu gathering outside the synagogue on Thursday evening to show solidarity. Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, condemned the attack, noting its occurrence ahead of the Yom Kippur holiday and expressing concern over the perpetrator's lack of remorse.