Resolution at Hamburg Airport: Man Detained, Young Daughter Safe

1

The standoff at Hamburg Airport concluded on Sunday afternoon, nearly a full day after an armed man breached the airport’s perimeter with his daughter, aged 4, in his car. Law enforcement officials confirmed the man’s apprehension and reported that the child was found to be safe.

In an update via Twitter, Hamburg police announced the resolution of the crisis, stating, “the individual has exited the vehicle with his child…The young girl seems to be in good health.”

The authorities further reported the man’s peaceful surrender to tactical units.

The disruption began the previous evening when the armed individual smashed through an airport barrier and discharged his weapon into the air twice, as per the dpa German news agency. He then stationed the car near a terminal, under the wings of a nearby airplane.

Prior to the incident, the man’s spouse had alerted officials to a potential child kidnapping.

According to police, the 35-year-old father had allegedly forcefully taken his daughter from her mother, hinting at a custody dispute.

Negotiations led by a psychologist extended over an 18-hour period. The police confirmed that there were no injuries as a result of the situation, with the airport having been previously evacuated.

The child’s mother was present at the airport earlier that day.

As the ordeal wound down, police spokesperson Sandra Levgruen disclosed that checks were being made to ascertain if the man was carrying explosives, or if any were left in the vehicle, as reported by dpa.

“We believe he is safe, though he remains under police supervision on the ground,” she commented.

The standstill led to the cancellation of over 100 flights and the diversion of several others, impacting thousands of passengers, with many accommodated in nearby hotels.

By Sunday afternoon, police were organizing a swift resumption of airport services.

Mayor Peter Tschentscher of Hamburg conveyed his relief that the event concluded without injury.

“After long and tense hours, the hostage crisis at Hamburg Airport has been resolved,” Tschentscher stated on social media, commending the police for their diligent work.

He extended his hopes for resilience to the mother, her daughter, and their family as they recover from the harrowing ordeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hamburg Airport Hostage Situation

More about Hamburg Airport Hostage Situation

• Hamburg Police Official Statement
• dpa German News Agency Report
• Hamburg Airport Flight Information Update
• Mayor Peter Tschentscher’s Social Media Page