Man joins VIP convoy, hugs German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; security breach under investigation
German police were left in a state of embarrassment when an unsuspecting individual managed to infiltrate a VIP convoy for Chancellor Olaf Scholz, proceeding to warmly embrace him just moments before his departure from Frankfurt Airport.
- Europe
- AP
- Published Date: 01:05 | 26 May 2023
- Modified Date: 01:05 | 26 May 2023
German police have been left red-faced after a member of the public was able to slip into a VIP convoy for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and then give him a hearty hug as he prepared to board a plane at Frankfurt Airport.
Tabloid newspaper Bild reported Friday that Scholz's bodyguards only realized their mistake later, and chased the man down.
In a statement, federal police said the man was detained but they declined to provide further details "for tactical reasons."
Scholz's office confirmed the incident, which happened late Wednesday as Scholz made his way back to Berlin following a celebration for the 25th anniversary of the European Central Bank.
Nobody was hurt in the incident but an investigation into the security breach has been launched, police said.