Apparently drank on duty – personal security detail at the US embassy disbanded

The Berlin police have disbanded a personal protection squad that was deployed at the US Embassy in Berlin. Official measures were initiated, as a police spokesman announced at the request of the German Press Agency. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on the case.

The spokesman explained that the officers had been distributed to other areas of personal protection. “The protection of the protected person is carried out temporarily by another command.”

According to the report, the German bodyguards are said to have drunk alcohol while on duty at the US embassy. There was initially no official statement from the US Embassy upon request.

Alan Meltzer himself is said to have organized drinking parties

“Bild” reports that Alan Meltzer, top diplomat and chargé d’affaires at the embassy, is said to have been drinking with the bodyguards. He is said to have promoted the drinking sessions himself and invited officials to drink alcoholic beverages. Internal statements should confirm this.

The police said: “The matter in question is currently being examined under official law.” The consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited for “all Berlin police officers” while on duty and could lead to consequences under service law and labor law. A spokesman for the authorities explained that no further information could be provided due to the ongoing legal examination.