Brutal attack at the CSD in Emden: witnesses urgently wanted!

Brutal attack at the CSD in Emden: witnesses urgently wanted!

This year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place in Emden on Saturday, June 16, 2025. Police reported that the celebrations were generally trouble-free, but the day took a bitter turn when a 31-year-old participant, who was celebrating as "Puppy" wearing a leather dog mask, was attacked and punched in the face by an unknown man. This incident shows once again that despite the beautiful atmosphere in the city, there is still worrying violence against the queer community. The attacker has not yet been caught and the Emden police are urgently looking for witnesses to the incident who can provide information to identify the perpetrator. The 31-year-old had to be treated in hospital after the attack. In addition, a 29-year-old helper was injured when he tried to help the person being attacked and was knocked over by the attacker. According to NDR, the situation surrounding CSD events remains tense throughout Germany.

The incidents in Emden are not isolated. There is an alarming trend in Germany: the number of anti-queer crimes is constantly increasing. In 2023, the Federal Criminal Police Office reported a total of 1,765 such crimes, an increase of 18% compared to the previous year. Trans and non-binary people are particularly affected, with a 35% increase to 1,152 cases. These are worrying numbers that underline how important a safe environment is for all participants in the CSD demonstrations. Event participants often meet at the train station and go to the demonstration in groups in order to protect themselves against possible attacks, as Tagesspiegel reports.

Threat situation for CSD participants

Young right-wing extremists are increasingly calling for counter-action, and the climate of fear is being reinforced by threatening emails to CSD organizers. The incident in Emden is further confirmation that CSD celebrations in Germany are increasingly exposed to hostility and violence. Kai Bölle, board member of the CSD Germany association, describes a massive increase in online threats. Sophie Koch, the federal government's queer commissioner, also expressed concern about the increasing mobilization against CSD events. Despite these challenges, there were 150 CSD events in Germany last year with around three million participants. Nevertheless, organizers now have to implement stronger protective measures.

On the initiative of organizations such as Campact and the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, the Rainbow Protection Fund was created to offer CSD organizers financial support for security measures. Timo Reinfrank from the Amadeu Antonio Foundation emphasizes that support for queer life is essential even in times of intimidation.

A nationwide problem

However, the situation is not only precarious in Emden. CSD organizers also report hostility and threats in cities like Wernigerode and Leipzig. A participant in Wernigerode even threatened to shoot people at the CSD, which led to the discovery of ammunition and blank guns during a house search. Such frightening incidents and the fear associated with them are also due to the increase in right-wing extremist activities. Falko Jentsch from the CSD Saxony-Anhalt emphasizes that such threats put a lot of strain on the organizational team, and the preparations now often have to take place under police protection, as reported on ZDF.

The incidents described and the increasing number of anti-queer crimes make it clear that there is a need for nationwide awareness. The police and politicians are called upon to ensure the queer community can celebrate safely and to take decisive action against these worrying trends. Dealing with this issue confidently is fundamental for the acceptance and protection of the LGBTQ+ community in Germany.