Threat with knife: CSD participant in Bremen victim of hate attack

Threat with knife: CSD participant in Bremen victim of hate attack

On the night of Sunday, August 24, 2025, anti-queer incidents occurred in Bremen city center as part of the celebrated Christopher Street Day (CSD). Around 30,000 people celebrated in the city, but not all interactions were peaceful. One particularly alarming incident involved a 23-year-old man who became a victim of violence and threats.

The young man, who bore clear signs of his participation in the CSD, was approached on the wall at around 2:40 a.m. by a group of unknown people. One of the perpetrators not only insulted him with anti-homosexual comments, but also pulled out a knife and threatened to stab him. This threatening situation left the 23-year-old frightened while the three men fled towards Obernstrasse. The main perpetrator in particular is described as being around 1.75 meters tall, between 16 and 20 years old, with tanned skin, a dark three-day beard and short curly hair and was wearing black, sporty clothing.

Investigations and setbacks

The police immediately launched an investigation into threats and insults. She calls on all witnesses or people with information about the crime to contact the permanent criminal service on 0421 362-3888. Unfortunately, such incidents are not isolated cases. The CSD, which was largely peaceful this year, was nevertheless marked by various incidents. For example, on Herdentorsteinweg there were reports of aggressive behavior by a driver who not only ignored police instructions but also resisted.

As the CSD continued, it was also recorded that the Hitler salute was shown in several places, which led to extensive investigations against the perpetrators of these unconstitutional acts. These incidents cast a shadow over the festival, which is intended to promote a sense of togetherness and the visibility of the LGBTIQ* community. In recent years, the increase in anti-queer violence in Germany has reached worrying proportions.

Across society: A growing problem

According to an analysis, hate crime against LGBTIQ* people is not only an explosive issue in Bremen. A total of 1,785 crimes were registered against this group across Germany in 2023, which represents an increase compared to the previous year. Insults and threats in particular are the most common crimes. However, an enormous proportion of these attacks remain unreported, with estimates putting the number of unreported cases at up to 90%. The reasons for this are often shame and fear of discrimination by the police themselves.

The social, psychological and health consequences for the victims are serious. Many victims suffer from anxiety and depression after an attack, and a significant proportion require medical help. There is an urgent need to reform the way anti-LGBTIQ* violence is dealt with in order to better help victims and increase trust in law enforcement.

In view of current events and the recurring, frightening incidents, it remains crucial to educate society about the forms of this violence and to mobilize solidarity with those affected. After all, it's about human rights and the safety of everyone.

For further information on anti-queer violence and its effects on society, read the detailed reports on Weser Kurier, Kreiszeitung and LSVD.