GERMANY: Visitors at Munich Oktoberfest beer festival not put off by attack threats during election period

Record ID: 575163

  • Title: GERMANY: Visitors at Munich Oktoberfest beer festival not put off by attack threats during election period
  • Date: 28th September 2009
  • Summary: MUNICH, GERMANY (SEPTEMBER 27, 2009) (REUTERS) VISITORS ARRIVING AT MUNICH OKTOBERFEST, WORLD'S LARGEST BEER FESTIVAL, AS POLICEMEN STAND READY NEARBY POLICEMEN STANDING NEXT TO THEIR VAN POLICE VAN PARKED AT OKTOBERFEST ENTRANCE, WELCOME SIGN ABOVE POLICE WOMAN WATCHING VISITORS WALKING PAST
  • Embargoed: 13th October 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Germany
  • Country: Germany
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVA53625X2RPOAKNRGA81QC9USRL
  • Story Text: Days after the release of threats against Germany published in a new video message believed to be from the Taliban, visitors at the Munich Oktoberfest beer festival had just one thing in mind on Sunday (September 27): to have a good time.
    "We have had no problems. It has been a great time, no security fears or concerns whatsoever," said Bill Thompson, visiting from California.
    "It felt very comfortable and we had a great time for three days," Thompson added.
    Another American, student Emanuel Hernandez said "we were told just to be careful."
    "I'm here on a study abroad trip and those of us who were coming down to Oktoberfest this weekend were told to be careful," Hernandez said.
    Police presence was visible at this year's beer festival and police checked visitors' bags, a precaution which occurs every year.
    A video released two days ago by what German authorities think could be the Taliban contained threats to attack Germany and included pictures of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the Frankfurt skyline and the Munich Oktoberfest.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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