Swastikas drawn with human blood shock German city of Hanau

German police have launched an investigation after dozens of swastikas painted with human blood were discovered on cars, mailboxes and building walls across the central city of Hanau, authorities said Thursday (6 November).

Police Spokesman Thomas Leipold said officers were alerted late Wednesday after a resident reported a swastika drawn in a reddish substance on the hood of a parked car. Nearly 50 vehicles were later found defaced in a similar manner. Tests confirmed the substance was human blood.

Displaying Nazi symbols, including the swastika, is illegal in Germany.

"The motive is completely unclear," Leipold told reporters, adding that investigators do not yet know whether specific targets were chosen or if the attacks were random. Other unidentified markings were also found on some buildings and vehicles.

Police said they have no leads yet on who carried out the vandalism or how the blood was obtained. There were no reports of injuries linked to the incidents. Officers are currently investigating for property damage and use of unconstitutional symbols.

Hanau Mayor Claus Kaminsky expressed outrage, calling the act "a violation of every boundary of decency and humanity." He said the city has filed a criminal complaint over the vandalism.

"Especially in our city, which was deeply scarred by the racist attack of 19 February 2020, this act causes deep consternation," Kaminsky said, referring to the deadly far‑right shooting that claimed nine lives at a local hookah bar five years ago.

He vowed that Hanau would not tolerate hate symbols or intimidation. "Swastikas have no place here," the Mayor said. "We will not allow such symbols to sow fear or division."