Who is Stephan Ernst?

Stephan Ernst is one of the most prominent cases of modern German far-right terrorism. Born in 1982, the Kassel-based right-wing extremist was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2021 for the murder of CDU politician Walter Lübcke. Ernst exemplifies the increasing danger posed by lone actors who radicalize within far-right networks and resort to violence. His case revealed significant failures in the monitoring of right-wing extremists and demonstrated the reality of terrorism in unified Germany.

The Murder of Walter Lübcke

On the night of June 2, 2019, Walter Lübcke, mayor of Kassel and CDU politician, was shot dead on his terrace in Wolfhausen-Istha. The 65-year-old was known for his integrative stance toward refugees. Ernst shot the sleeping politician in the head with a revolver. The investigation lasted months before Ernst was arrested in June 2019.

Forensic evidence collection proved complicated: Ernst initially did not confess, and DNA traces could not be definitively matched for a long time. Only a combination of genetic findings, ballistic analyses, and surveillance footage led to his conviction. Upon arrest, Ernst confessed to the act and admitted it was ideologically motivated. He viewed Lübcke's refugee policy as justification for the killing.

Radicalization and Ideological Background

Ernst's path to violence was shaped by years of contact with far-right circles. He was known for his activities in Kassel's neo-Nazi scene and maintained connections to several right-wing extremist networks and organizations. As early as 2015, Ernst had attracted attention as a suspect in another case: he is accused of carrying out an attack on Kassel's mayor Henriette Reker, in which she was injured.