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B&T says it will not be intimidated after a massive fire caused extensive damage to the firearm manufacturer’s headquarters in Thun, Switzerland.
The fire erupted early Thursday, Oct. 29, at B&T’s facility on Tempelstrasse. According to Bern Cantonal Police, authorities received the alarm shortly after 3:10 a.m. By the time emergency crews arrived, the building was already fully engulfed.
Firefighters from Thun, Spiez and Steffisburg eventually brought the blaze under control. Thankfully, nobody was injured.
Police Suspect Arson
The following day, police announced that arson had become the leading theory and issued a public request for witnesses. Investigators have not identified any suspects, and the official investigation remains active.
A video circulating online reportedly appears to show black-clad individuals igniting an incendiary device and throwing it toward wooden pallets near the building. However, police have not confirmed the video’s authenticity or identified who may have been responsible.
B&T’s main building, flagship store and indoor shooting range will remain closed until further notice. The company continues to accept orders by email, although it warned customers to expect delays in confirmations, processing and deliveries.
B&T founder and chairman Karl Brügger reportedly estimated the damage at between 12 million and 20 million Swiss francs. He said the company is insured and its survival is not in question.
‘We Will Not Be Defeated’
B&T responded with a forceful statement directed at whoever caused the destruction.
“You can damage or destroy our buildings. You can destroy our machinery, equipment and materials. You can inflict enormous financial losses upon us,” the company said. “But there is one thing you will never achieve: bringing B&T and our industry to their knees!”
The company said its real strength lies in its employees, institutional knowledge, experience and shared commitment—not its physical property.
🚨🇨🇭🇫🇷🔥 ALERTE INFO ! LE BÂTIMENT PRINCIPAL DU FABRICANT DES LBD UTILISÉS PAR LA POLICE FRANÇAISE A ÉTÉ RAVAGÉ PAR UN VIOLENT INCENDIE Dans la nuit du 28 au 29 octobre, le bâtiment principal de l’entreprise suisse B&T, situé à Thoune, a été ravagé par les flammes. Les pompiers ont découvert le bâtiment entièrement embrasé vers 3 heures du matin. Une vidéo diffusée en ligne revendique une "action de désarmement". La police privilégie la PISTE CRIMINELLE. Sur son site officiel, B&T annonce la fermeture de ses bureaux, de son magasin et de son stand de tir jusqu’à nouvel ordre, ainsi que des retards dans le traitement et la livraison des commandes. (police cantonale bernoise / B&T)
— Impact (@ImpactMediaFR) October 31, 2026
B&T also drew a firm line between legitimate criticism and politically motivated destruction.
“We respect differing opinions, political beliefs and the right to peaceful criticism—including criticism of our company and our industry,” the statement continued. “What we will never accept, however, is violence, destruction of property, threats or intimidation as a means of political or social confrontation.”
The company closed with a straightforward message:
“We stand together.
We will not be intimidated.
We will not be defeated.
We will come back stronger.”
B&T emphasized that authorities remain responsible for determining the fire’s cause, identifying anyone involved and deciding whether criminal charges are warranted.
For now, the building may be badly damaged, but B&T appears determined to keep moving. In the company’s own words, “Violence will not silence us.”
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
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