(de-news.net) – The investigation into an arson attack targeting electricity infrastructure in several areas of Berlin has been assumed by Germany’s Federal Prosecutor, who has pointed to a range of serious suspicions. These include arson, anti-constitutional sabotage, participation in a terrorist organization, and the deliberate interference with public utilities. With the inquiry consolidated at the federal level in light of its gravity and broader implications, the formal transfer of responsibility was announced by authorities on Tuesday.
The incident itself occurred on January 3, when a cable bridge spanning the Teltow Canal was set ablaze, leading to the destruction of critical power supply cables. The resulting damage triggered a substantial electricity outage in southwest Berlin that, at its peak, affected more than 45,000 households. Among those impacted were care facilities serving elderly and medically vulnerable residents, underscoring the seriousness of the disruption. By Tuesday, the fourth consecutive day of the blackout, approximately 25,500 homes and around 1,200 businesses remained without power. According to projections from the grid operator, full restoration of electricity service is expected by Thursday afternoon. Political criticism surrounding the incident has intensified following claims of responsibility by left-wing extremists, further elevating public and governmental concern.
In parallel with the criminal investigation, parliamentary oversight and scrutiny have expanded. Members of the Bundestag are examining the circumstances and potential implications of the attack, while the Federal Interior Ministry is expected to brief parliamentary representatives by telephone later this week. At the municipal level, Berlin’s administration has announced plans to reimburse lodging expenses incurred by residents displaced by the prolonged power outage. This compensation, however, is limited to stays at designated partner hotels that have been approved through the city’s tourism office.
Taken together, the scale of the disruption, the alleged terrorist motivation, and the extended recovery period have transformed the incident into a matter of national security significance. As a result, the response has involved coordinated action and close cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities, reflecting the broader institutional effort to address both the immediate consequences and the underlying security concerns raised by the attack.
