Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Munich prosecutors close 1970 arson case after identifying suspect
In 1970, a fire was started inside a Jewish community building in Munich, Germany.
The fire killed seven older people who had survived the Holocaust.
Fifteen other people were hurt.
Investigators say a 25-year-old man who believed in antisemitic ideas probably started the fire.
They believe he acted alone and was connected to neo-Nazi views.
A witness gave investigators important information after a relative died.
Police reopened the case in April 2025 to examine this new information.
The suspected man died in 2020, so he cannot go to court.
Prosecutors therefore closed the case after concluding that he was likely responsible.
Investigators identified a deceased man as the likely perpetrator of the 1970 Munich Jewish community-center fire.
The 25-year-old suspect was described as a lone neo-Nazi with known antisemitic views.
The fire on February 13, 1970, killed seven Holocaust survivors aged 59 to 71.
Fifteen people were injured, including four who were seriously hurt.
Prosecutors closed the case because the suspected perpetrator died in 2020 and cannot be prosecuted.
- Who
- A deceased 25-year-old lone neo-Nazi is considered the likely perpetrator; the victims were seven Holocaust survivors.
- What
- An arson attack on a Jewish community building killed seven people and injured 15 others.
- When
- The fire occurred on February 13, 1970; investigators reopened the case in April 2025 and closed it again after identifying the suspect.
- Where
- A retirement home inside a Jewish community building on Reichenbachstrasse in Munich, Germany.
- Why
- Prosecutors believe the fire was an antisemitic attack, but the suspected perpetrator died in 2020 and cannot be prosecuted.
- Attack date
- February 13, 1970
- Location
- Jewish community building on Reichenbachstrasse, Munich
- Deaths
- Seven Holocaust survivors, aged 59 to 71
- Injuries
- Fifteen people, including four seriously injured
- Suspect
- A 25-year-old lone neo-Nazi with known antisemitic views
- Case status
- Closed because the suspected perpetrator died in 2020
- Fire details
- Investigators say petrol was poured into a wooden stairwell before it was set alight