Police Union Condemns Attacks on Law Enforcement Officers During New Year's Eve - Berlin’s New Year’s Eve marred by deliberate attacks on emergency responders
New Year’s Eve in Berlin witnessed violent assaults on emergency responders, despite a decrease in large-scale clashes compared to previous years. Firefighters and police encountered deliberate aggression, with rockets and fireworks deliberately aimed at them in several districts. Officials have cautioned against underestimating the severity of these incidents.
In Berlin’s Wedding district, firefighters responding to fires were met with such hostility that they required police protection to carry out their duties. Attackers fired rockets and other fireworks directly at emergency vehicles, targeting personnel on purpose. Neukölln, another area with a high migrant population, also became a hotspot for violence against responders.
Frank Teichert, deputy state chairman of DPolG Berlin, described these assaults as attacks on those who represent the state. He noted that many of the perpetrators appeared to be of Arab and Turkish descent, based on reports from emergency crews. While he acknowledged that the night was relatively calm compared to past years, he warned against an overly positive assessment of the situation. The German Police Union (DPolG) has since expressed serious concern over the repeated violence against rescue workers. Although no large-scale riots occurred, the targeted nature of the attacks has raised alarms about public safety and respect for emergency services.
The incidents have left authorities concerned about the persistent threat to emergency responders. Police and firefighters continue to evaluate the risks, with calls for enhanced protections during future celebrations. The attacks highlight ongoing tensions in districts like Wedding and Neukölln.
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