Attacker of Turkish shops in Germany revealed to be an ISIS supporter

Duvar English

A man suspected of carrying out attacks on Turkish-owned businesses in Bavaria was a follower of ISIS, German authorities have said, adding that he had several pipe bombs in his bag when police arrested him.

The 25-year-old justified his hatred towards Turks and his "anti-Turkish worldview" by saying he was a supporter of ISIS, Deutsche Welle cited head attorney general Georg Freutsmiedl as saying in a press conference on May 10.

According to German authorities, the suspect was also in possession of a firearm and had been planning more attacks, though initial investigations indicate no concrete plans.

Authorities did not say whether he had accomplices or sympathizers.

The suspect is a German citizen. His parents are Turkish immigrants.

"I am relieved that the dangerous perpetrator no longer poses a threat," said president of the police headquarters in southern upper Bavaria Robert Kopp.

In April, three instances were reported where stones had been thrown through the windows of Turkish shops in Waldkraiburg. A vegetable stand was also set on fire, leaving six people injured

Police apprehended the suspect on May 8 at a train station in nearby Mühldorf after he was caught traveling without a ticket.

In his bag, police said they found 10 functional pipe bombs. They later found 13 more pipe bombs and 10 kilograms of explosive chemicals in a car left in a parking garage in the Bavarian town of Garching.

Police also searched the man's apartment, where they found more explosive materials as well as a gun.

The suspect has been charged with arson, dangerous bodily harm and attempted murder.