Widespread rioting erupts in German cities following youth protests

The most significant unrest occurred in Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne, where clashes between demonstrators and police were reported. Nationally, numerous individuals were detained or taken into custody, and at least 45 police officers sustained injuries.

In Frankfurt, the situation escalated after the demonstration dispersed near the Konstablerwache and along the Zeil shopping street. Protesters reportedly threw paving stones, construction barriers, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails at police, looting several businesses including a shoe store and a perfume shop. A weapons store was also targeted, and police recovered two stolen firearms. Over 30 people were temporarily arrested, and several officers were injured, one potentially seriously. The damage to the looted businesses is substantial, with a precise monetary figure yet to be determined.

Hamburg saw approximately 6,000 to 7,000 people demonstrating peacefully during the day. After nightfall, masked groups ignited construction barriers and created burning barricades near the main train station and on Steindamm. Nearly ten vehicles were set ablaze in the Dulsberg district. Police used water cannons and arrested over 120 people, including a 13-year-old.

In Berlin, up to 5,000 young people peacefully marched past the Brandenburg Gate in the afternoon. A separate rally at Rosenthaler Platz saw bottles, stones, and fireworks thrown at police, and damage to a tram. Twenty-seven police officers were slightly injured, and up to 56 participants were temporarily detained.

Cologne police prematurely ended a planned demonstration due to the presence of masks and pyrotechnics. On the Domplatte, rioters attacked officers with bottles, fireworks, and thrown bicycles, shattering a window with an e-scooter. Police seized Molotov cocktails and crowbars from masked individuals. At least five people were taken into custody, and two people were injured.

Here’s a summary of the incidents:

Hamburg: Over 120 arrests; 11 police officers injured; burning barricades and nearly ten burned-out cars.

Berlin: Up to 56 temporary arrests; 27 slightly injured police officers; damage to a tram.

Frankfurt am Main: Over 30 temporary arrests; multiple injured police officers (one potentially seriously); looting of businesses on the Zeil and an attack on a weapons store.

Cologne: At least 5 detentions and over 700 records taken; one injured police officer and one injured pedestrian; destroyed storefront window and fire damage.

Stuttgart, Bremen, and Hannover: Multiple arrests in Stuttgart; at least 7 injured police officers; container fires and damage from pyrotechnics.

The organizers of “Gen Z regelt” denied responsibility for the post-demonstration violence, stating they had no influence over the events. The group announced plans to participate in further pan-European protests on November 20th, despite the incidents.

Politicians and police unions strongly condemned the violence. Hesse’s Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) expressed shock, and Hesse’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) identified the group of rioters in Frankfurt as approximately 100 people, a combination of left-wing extremists and violent young people. Cologne’s Police President Johannes Hermanns defended the police response, and the chairman of the Police Union (GdP) in Hesse criticized the organizers for failing to distance themselves from the violence. The total damage to looted shops, vehicles, and infrastructure is considerable, but a precise figure is not yet available.