Fun or criminal offense?

Police investigate after shots fired against Böhmermann

Jan Böhmermann may have overshot the mark this time ...

(Bild: ZDF)

The Cologne police are investigating after Jan Böhmermann used a gun in the ZDF show "ZDF Magazin Royale". In the show, which aired on March 1, Böhmermann took aim at the "hunting nobility" and handled a rifle (including a telescopic sight).

Böhmermann bent the barrel of the rifle several times during the broadcast, compressing the air and firing a projectile. He also pulled the trigger and shots with muzzle flashes could be seen on TV.

Violation of weapons law?
The Cologne police are now investigating whether the use of the weapon constitutes a violation of the Weapons Act or other regulations. They are investigating which weapon was involved and whether Böhmermann had a permit to carry the gun.

Hunting aristocrats "social parasites"
Böhmermann wore a hunter's hat in the broadcast and spoke for more than 20 minutes on the subject of hunting. Among other things, he said: "We're going hunting today on 'ZDF Magazin Royale'" and "Halali, Halalo! And yes, I am a hunter. For the love of nature ...".

The presenter also took aim at hunting aristocrats, including Alexander Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe and Prince Harry. He described them as "social parasites who have become wealthy through no effort".

Criminal law expert Professor Dr. Bernd Heinrich explains that a firearms license is required to carry a functional weapon in public. Whether the TV studio can be regarded as "pacified property" is unclear.

Violations of the Weapons Act can result in fines or prison sentences of up to three years.

Jan Böhmermann

(Bild: APA/dpa/Sven Hoppe)

Outrage from the AfD and FPÖ
It was only in February that Böhmermann drew the ire of the FPÖ. The German satirist had addressed the party and the AfD in his "ZDF Magazin Royale" and did not go easy on them. The FPÖ was particularly outraged by Böhmermann's remark at the very end: "Please don't forget, don't always pull out the Nazi club, but maybe just club a few Nazis."

"This is a blatant call to kill politicians, functionaries and voters of the FPÖ and AfD, whom Böhmermann had previously portrayed as 'Nazis' in his hate program, completely oblivious to history," said FPÖ Secretary General Christian Hafenecker in a press release. Culling means the precautionary killing of animals to prevent the spread of epidemics.