Police officers injured: Party defends rioting mayor

2026-08-08

Freiberg Mayor Philipp Preißler is at the center of a police investigation after allegedly causing a disturbance at a hotel in Leipzig and injuring two police officers during the subsequent intervention.

According to reports, the incident happened on Thursday while Preißler was staying at a Leipzig hotel privately. He allegedly damaged parts of the hotel interior and threw pieces of furniture or other objects out of a window. Police were called to the scene after the situation escalated.

When officers attempted to restrain the man, he reportedly resisted, resulting in two police officers suffering minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident on suspicion of property damage (Sachbeschädigung) and resisting law enforcement officers (Widerstand gegen Vollstreckungsbeamte).

Preißler was subsequently taken by ambulance to Leipzig University Hospital, where a blood test was reportedly conducted. Police have not disclosed whether alcohol or drugs played any role, saying the investigation is ongoing. Preißler himself has not yet publicly commented on the incident.

The Freie Wähler Freiberg defended the 41-year-old mayor while stopping short of speculating about what happened. The party said Preißler appeared to be experiencing a difficult personal situation and suggested that the prolonged dispute surrounding his assumption of office may have placed considerable personal pressure on him.

Preißler only officially became Oberbürgermeister (Lord Mayor) of Freiberg on June 24, 2026, after a legal challenge delayed his taking office. He had won the October 2025 election with 45.95% of the vote. The latest incident has now placed renewed scrutiny on the newly elected mayor as authorities continue their investigation.