Oktoberfest shut after Munich explosion and bomb threat
German authorities closed Munich’s Oktoberfest on Oct. 1, 2025 after an early‑morning explosion and fire at a private residence in the Lerchenau district that killed one person and prompted a verified bomb threat against the Theresienwiese festival grounds. Police said investigators found multiple explosive devices and a written statement from the perpetrator inside the home, evacuated a 200‑yard radius, and conducted security sweeps; the U.S. Consulate in Munich issued an alert advising American citizens to avoid the area.
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Public Safety
🔍 Key Facts
- Date and place: Early morning Oct. 1, 2025, Lerchenau district, north Munich; Oktoberfest (Theresienwiese) closed pending searches.
- Casualties and evacuations: One person died from injuries; police evacuated a roughly 200‑yard radius and closed nearby school.
- Threat and evidence: Authorities found multiple explosive devices rigged inside the residence and a written statement; city officials described a 'verified bomb threat' and ordered exhaustive security sweeps.
- Officials and responses: Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter and Munich police directed searches; the U.S. Consulate in Munich issued a safety alert to U.S. citizens.
- Operational impact: Oktoberfest remained closed at least until 5 p.m. local time while police searched the festival grounds; reopening dependent on sweep results.