Bomb threat
The bomb threat is the intended threat to a (mostly public) building by means of an actual or allegedly placed bomb .
Consequences and goals
Possible targets as to why the perpetrator threatens a building with a bomb explosion can be that
- the perpetrator is pursuing a political goal . He could commit the act on behalf of a terrorist organization or with the act want to force the release of an imprisoned accomplice.
- the perpetrator had to accept heavy losses (both family and professional). He goes nuts and sees no other way out to get rid of his anger and fear than to use it against third parties.
- In the vast majority of cases it turned out that the bomb threat was a false alarm, since no explosive device was deposited. Nevertheless, bomb threats create fear and sometimes even panic among the population. Political fundamental discussions about the security situation often flare up after bomb threats.
Major bomb threats and their consequences
Public buildings such as airports, train stations or schools are repeatedly frightened by bomb threats.
- Case study 1 - Düsseldorf Airport
On September 14, 2003, a stranger threatened that he had placed a bomb in the airport building. There were a total of seven bomb threats. The consequences were dramatic: the entire airport was evacuated and cordoned off. Flights were canceled and there were significant delays in air traffic. The access highway to the airport has been closed. As a result, the flow of traffic collapsed a short time later. Thousands of travelers could not take their flight and luggage was not handed out as a precaution. Passengers were not allowed to leave the aircraft. A total of 180 officers from the Federal Border Police and police were on duty and searched for the bomb for over seven hours - but in vain. No bomb was found.
- Case study 2 - Hamburg Central Station
On August 20, 2006, a stranger threatened that he had placed a bomb in Hamburg Central Station. Here, too, the consequences were drastic: Thousands of train travelers had to leave the station and hundreds of police officers searched the entire building complex. But no bomb was found here either.
Criminal law consequences
In Germany, the bomb threat is a criminal offense as a disruption of the public peace by threatening criminal offenses under Section 126 (2) of the Criminal Code.
"Likewise, anyone who, in a manner that is likely to disturb the public peace, pretends against his better judgment that one of the illegal acts mentioned in paragraph 1 is imminent is imminent."
The mentioned paragraph 1 (meaning is § 126 paragraph 1 no. 6 StGB) may include a. the threat of causing an explosive explosion in accordance with Section 308 (1) StGB.
"Anyone who causes an explosion other than by releasing nuclear energy, namely by means of explosives, and thereby endangers the life or limb of another person or property of significant value, is punished with imprisonment for no less than one year."
Paragraph 5 also states:
"Anyone who negligently causes the risk in the cases of paragraph 1 will be punished with imprisonment for up to five years or with a fine."
Finally, paragraph 6:
"Anyone who acts negligently in the cases of paragraph 1 and negligently causes the risk will be punished with imprisonment for up to three years or a fine."
Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 can also apply, but are not explained in more detail here, as they only apply in extended cases. If you are interested, see Section 308 Paragraph 2, 3 and 4 StGB.
