B&T’s headquarters in Thun, Switzerland was firebombed last week. B&T president Karl Brugger was quoted as saying that, “It looks like a war zone,” he told Blick. Brügger estimates the damage at 12 to 20 million francs. “Fortunately, we are insured. Our existence is not at risk.” He says he will not be intimidated.
According to a (German language) Swiss media report, “left-wing radicals,” possibly in sympathy with French rioters, are claiming responsibility for the attack.
The possible claim video is circulating among French anarchists. Instagram accounts from the left-wing radical scene in Bern also shared the footage. Brügger therefore suspects that Swiss people were also involved in the act.
The authenticity of the footage has not yet been confirmed. The Bern Cantonal Police are examining it and searching for witnesses. At the moment they cannot say anything about either the perpetrators or the extent of the damage. “The investigations are running in all directions.” Arson is, however, at the forefront of the inquiries.
You don’t say.
Why would French and/or Swiss leftists attack the gun maker?
According to the video, the Thun weapons manufacturer was attacked because the LBD 40 rubber-bullet launcher is produced there. The weapon has long been the subject of heated debate in France. The French police have used it for years against protesters. The projectiles repeatedly cause serious injuries. As early as 2019, the Gilets Jaunes protest movement called for a blockade of B&T for this reason.
Karl Brugger isn’t so sure.
Brügger rejects this portrayal. France does not use the correct ammunition, he says. Instead of buying from B&T, the French police source the cartridges from the French manufacturer Alsetex.
B&T equips police forces in Switzerland and across Europe. “Whoever attacks us attacks the rule of law and the safety of the law-abiding population,” Brügger says.
That, of course, doesn’t mean that violent leftists still didn’t blame — and possibly target — B&T. The company issues the following statement . . .
