Danger of committing a crime – Graz: Jehovah bomber is taken into custody

The 55-year-old bomb maker from Styria was placed in pre-trial detention in Graz-Jakomini prison on Friday. He confessed to planting explosives near Jehovah’s Witnesses. According to Hansjörg Bacher from the Graz Public Prosecutor’s Office, there is a risk that the crime will be committed and carried out. The extension of pre-trial detention will be assessed in two weeks. However, no significant new findings emerged from the investigation on Friday.

Contrary to initial reports, no magnet or other remains of a possible dropped bomb were found on the car of the man’s ex-wife. However, investigators assume that the suspect actually mounted an explosive on the Styrian woman’s car. The search for this bomb is still ongoing, although this is proving difficult because she has traveled countless distances by car since May 3.

The man targeted his ex-wife
According to police spokesman Markus Lamb, it has become clear that the suspect apparently did not want to take action against the religious community, but against his ex-wife. However, his statements will be further checked for credibility.

The 55-year-old from the Graz-Umwelt district was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of being responsible for several bombs found in vehicles and in front of buildings belonging to Jehovah’s Witnesses since August 2023, some of which also detonated.

The IT technician has been consistent and cooperative thus far. He cited alimony disputes with his ex-wife, who is a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as the motive. That’s why he wanted to kill her. The other bombs were only intended as a distraction.