German Police Arrest Three More in Far-Right Coup Plot Tied to Aristocrat Prince Reuss

German authorities announced Thursday the arrest of three additional suspects in connection with an alleged far-right coup attempt involving Prince Heinrich XIII Reuss, bringing the total number of individuals on trial to 27.

Prosecutors say the group aimed to overthrow the German government, launch an attack on the Bundestag (lower house of parliament), and install Reuss — an aristocrat and businessman — as the country’s new head of state.

The plot, uncovered in 2022, is believed to be linked to the Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich) movement — a network of extremists and gun enthusiasts who reject the legitimacy of the modern German state. The conspirators reportedly embraced a range of conspiracy theories, including QAnon, and compiled lists of perceived enemies.

According to Munich police and prosecutors, the three men arrested Thursday are among six individuals suspected of “membership in a terrorist organisation” and “preparing to commit high treason.” Around 300 police officers conducted coordinated raids across Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia.

Authorities allege the suspects participated in weapons training at a former military site in Bavaria in April 2022 as part of preparations for the planned assault on the German parliament.

Key figures in the alleged plot, including Reuss, were detained in December 2022. Others on trial include a former far-right AfD politician, a retired army lieutenant colonel, and a former member of the elite KSK special forces unit. Trials are currently underway in courts in Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt.