Suspect in German Church Arson Suffered Mental Illness, Authorities Say

The suspect accused of setting fire to a Syrian-Orthodox church under construction in Leimen, Germany, acted alone and is suffering from a mental illness, according to investigators. The state prosecutor's office announced that the illness was a contributing factor to the act and has requested the suspect's permanent commitment to a psychiatric hospital.

Authorities have found no indications of an extremist motive behind the arson. The suspect, who is 27 years old, reportedly does not feel affiliated with any religion. The fire, which occurred in early June, was quickly extinguished by emergency services, and fortunately, no one was injured.

Fire officials reported that a pile of wood scraps inside the church likely ignited, creating a "four to five-meter-high wall of flames." However, due to the church's high ceilings, estimated at a minimum of eight meters, significant damage to the ceiling was avoided. The overall damage to the building is considered relatively minor.