Global Courant 2023-05-26 17:46:52
German police were redfaced after a member of the public was able to slip into a VIP convoy for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and then give him a warm hug as he prepared to board a plane at Frankfurt Airport
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech at a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the European Central Bank, in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Kai Pfaffenbach/Pool via AP)
The associated press
BERLIN — German police have been redfaced after a member of the public was able to slip into a VIP convoy for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and then give him a warm hug as he prepared to board a plane at Frankfurt airport.
The tabloid newspaper Bild reported on Friday that Scholz’s bodyguards only later realized their mistake and pursued the man.
In a statement, federal police said the man was being held but declined to provide further details “for tactical reasons”.
Scholz’s office confirmed the incident, which happened late Wednesday as Scholz returned to Berlin after a celebration of the European Central Bank’s 25th anniversary.
No one was injured in the incident, but an investigation has been launched into the security breach, police said.
