AfD gun owners are checked for reliability

In Saxony, dozens of AfD supporters who own weapons are currently being checked for their reliability. This is according to an answer from the Ministry of the Interior to a minor question from Left Party politician Juliane Nagel.

Following the legally binding classification of the AfD state association as a proven right-wing extremist movement, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution reported 71 AfD members to the weapons authorities. They are to assess the reliability of the persons concerned in terms of firearms law.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 69 investigation procedures have been initiated to date. There have been complaints in two cases. Most of the checks are still ongoing.

Almost 250 firearms known

At the end of June, the authorities were reportedly aware of 82 people who belonged to the AfD or its now disbanded youth organization - and were in possession of firearms permits. Together, they owned 249 firearms.

Left-wing MP Juliane Nagel was surprised by the figures. "I had expected a few dozen cases. But it appears that people in AfD circles have armed themselves even more than in the rest of the extreme right-wing scene," she explained.

Weapons Act defines reliability

According to the Weapons Act, people do not have the necessary reliability to own a weapon if, for example, they have been convicted of a crime or there are indications that they use weapons or ammunition recklessly.

Anyone who belongs to a banned association or an unconstitutional party is also not considered reliable. This also applies to persons who pursue efforts that are directed against the constitutional order.