In Rockenhausen, Rhineland-Palatinate, an incident involving a substance with an intense, unpleasant odor occurred before a planned campaign event by the Alternative for Germany. The fire department intervened on site. Local mayor Michael Vettermann reported that it was most likely butyric acid. The police are investigating the matter. The event took place on Friday, February 21, 2026.

Fire department intervention

On Friday, February 21, 2026, before an election meeting of AfD in Rockenhausen, the fire department intervened due to a strong, unpleasant odor on the square in front of the hall.

Suspected use of butyric acid

City mayor Michael Vettermann reported that unknown perpetrators manipulated a substance on the square, which was identified as butyric acid, known for its characteristic, pungent odor.

Ongoing police investigation

The police have launched an investigation into the incident. The motives and identity of the perpetrators, who acted before the start of the political event, have not yet been determined.

On Friday, February 21, 2026, in the town of Rockenhausen in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, preparations for an election rally by the Alternative for Germany party were disrupted. Unknown perpetrators spilled or sprayed a substance with an exceptionally unpleasant and intense odor on the square in front of the event hall, forcing local services to intervene. The fire department was called to the scene. The city's mayor, Michael Vettermann, stated in an official announcement that it was most likely butyric acid. Butyric acid (buttersäure) is a compound known for its use in similar incidents, often of a political nature, due to the difficulty of removing the persistent odor. The police are currently investigating the matter to determine the circumstances of the event and the identity and motives of the perpetrators. It is unclear whether the attack was specifically targeted at AfD or aimed at preventing or discrediting the gathering itself. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) was founded in 2013 as a Eurosceptic party. Over the decade, it has become a significant political force in Germany, particularly at the national level and in eastern states, building its platform on criticism of immigration and climate policy. Its rallies and meetings are often the site of counter-demonstrations and protests. The incident in Rockenhausen fits into the broader context of tense atmospheres surrounding election campaigns in Germany. Such acts, using chemicals with characteristic odors, are relatively rare but dangerous due to potential respiratory irritation and general discomfort. No information was provided on whether anyone was harmed as a result of the incident. The political event most likely took place despite the incident.

Mentioned People

  • Michael Vettermann — Mayor of the city of Rockenhausen, who reported the probable use of butyric acid.