On Thursday evening we detailed the dramatic increase in Google search queries for gun permits in Germany. Specifically, since January 1, the number of Germans Googling “gun permits” has risen more than 1,000%.
Meanwhile, sales of non-lethal weapons such as tear gas pistols have skyrocketed, as Germans look to protect themselves against what many see as a hostile foreign invasion.
But while most Germans are (for now) content to counter the perceived threat from hostile migrants with non-lethal arms, at least one citizen on Friday decided to deploy a more deadly weapon in the “battle” to preserve German society: a grenade.
“Unknown assailants hurled a hand grenade at a shelter for asylum seekers in southern Germany on Friday but the device did not explode and no one was injured,” AFP reports. “Police in Villingen-Schwenningen said about 20 residents of the shelter were temporarily evacuated but were able to return to their rooms in the early morning hours.”
"Security staff discovered the intact explosive device and notified the police," a statement from authorities read.
The pin was pulled, but for whatever reason, it didn't explode. Police later detonated it in a controlled explosion.
Although no one was harmed in this particular attack, it underscores just how precarious the situation has become. Refugees probably thought the days of having grenades lobbed at them were over once they escaped the war-torn Mid-East. They were wrong.
Meanwhile, a new poll by Insa shows just how fed up Germans have become with Berlin's refugee policy. According to the survey - which was conducted for Focus magazine - 40% of the country believes Angela Merkel should resign.
"The Insa poll for Focus magazine surveyed 2,047 Germans between Jan. 22 to Jan. 25," Reuters reports. "It was the first time the pollster had asked voters whether Merkel should quit."
As Reuters goes on to note, "Merkel enjoyed record high popularity ratings early last year [but] has grown increasingly isolated in recent months as members of her conservative bloc have pressed her to take a tougher line on asylum seekers and European allies have dragged their feet on the issue."
On Thursday, Germany moved to tighten asylum rules in an effort to stem the flow of refugees into the country. Specifically, Berlin added Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia to the "safe countries of origin list," allowing Germany to easily deny asylum to migrants from those countries.
Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel also said family reunions for migrants would be blocked for two years.
Also on Thursday, Finland joined Sweden in promising to deport tens of thousands of the refugees it sheltered last year. Paivi Nerg, administrative director of the interior ministry told AFP the country would deport two thirds, or 32,000 migrants in 2016.
Clearly, the situation in Europe is deteriorating at a rather rapid clip. All that's needed now is one more major "incident" akin to the Paris attacks for the entire thing to unravel in earnest.