Head of weapons training

Explosive turn of events: Colonel gave far-right speech

A large contingent of forces was deployed in Vorchdorf on Saturday.(Bild: Matthias Lauber/laumat.at)

The speaker from the customs association, who was targeted by the police in Vorchdorf at the weekend, is said to have made racist remarks at an event organized by the Kameradschaftsbund in the Braunau district seven years ago. He is not only facing criminal prosecution.

It was a colonel in the general staff who allegedly contributed massively to the escalation of the situation when the first police patrol arrived at the farm in Vorchdorf on Saturday. The Salzburg officer, who was training the participants in the use of riflescopes on behalf of the St. Johann im Pongau Customs and Traditional Shooting Association (BTV), is said to have first fled and then become aggressive towards the officers.

This resulted in him being charged with resisting public authority. Assault may also have occurred. As reported, the operation culminated in the arrest of 15 men and four women.

Successor association founded?
Incidentally, the president of the BTV founded a second association on Monday - just two days after the large-scale police operation - with the name "Ziel sicher." (safe destination). It promises security for all law-abiding citizens. It is unclear whether this is the successor association to the BTV, which has fallen into disrepute.

I can confirm that the Austrian Armed Forces took legal action at the time.

Bundesheersprecher Oberst Michael Bauer

For the army colonel, his conduct could in any case have consequences not only under criminal law, but also in terms of service. "We are waiting for the final police report. If it turns out that his behavior could damage the reputation of the Armed Forces, disciplinary proceedings will be initiated," says Colonel Michael Bauer, spokesman for the Armed Forces.

Racist speech
According to "Krone" information, this man is said to have attracted attention in 2018 at an event organized by the Kameradschaftbund with apparently right-wing extremist ideas. The 53-year-old had given a speech at the district assembly of the Upper Austrian Comradeship Association in Geretsberg, the content of which is said to have been classified as racist. The OÖKB publicly distanced itself from the speaker.

Suspended from duty
The officer was temporarily suspended from duty at the time and was banned from the Schwarzenberg barracks in Wals-Siezenheim. "I can confirm that disciplinary consequences were imposed at the time," said army spokesman Bauer.

Even though the suspected colonel appeared this time as a private and not in uniform, this does not change the fact that he can be held accountable within the army. Bauer: "Basically, you are not only a soldier during your duty time, but 24 hours a day."