Berlin.
Stricter laws do not help against the misuse of firearms by neo-Nazis and Reich citizens – but strong local authorities.
How dangerous enemies of the state are under arms has become clear several times in a bitter way: The assassin from Hanau – Sagittarius. The murderer of CDU politician Walter Lübcke – trained in the shooting club. The right-wing extremist “Nordkreuz” network – best connections to a local shooting range.
Ideologues such as self-proclaimed “Reichsbürger” and right-wing extremists pursue crude and dangerous ideologies. That alone is not punishable. But a limit is crossed when these people, having practiced using pistols and rifles, prepare themselves for an “overthrow”, for a “Day X”. The state cannot tolerate that. He must disarm the most dangerous members of the scene.
Unfortunately, the answer is not always loud calls for tougher laws. The authorities need to take a better look at gun owners, who pose a threat to the rule of law. The protection of the constitution is required, including the police. The local weapons authority on site, in Germany usually the district office, is very central. An often small office, with few employees, rarely gun law experts.
Gun law is a complex colossus of laws, directives and regulations
The local authorities must be strengthened – as long as federalism in Germany dictates this fragmented security architecture. It is not enough to look at an operator of a shooting range in order to read the case as closed on the files. Authorities have to carry out regular on-site inspections and have to coordinate closely with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the police. This requires staff – and knowledge. Because gun law is a complex colossus of laws, guidelines and regulations. Incidentally: a consequence of the many tightening of the law in recent years.
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