Jena City Leaders Condemn Attack in Connection with Berlin's CSD

The entire leadership of the city of Jena condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack that took place in connection with Christopher Street Day in Berlin. Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, Deputy Mayor Benjamin Koppe, and the department heads Kathleen Lützkendorf, Johannes Schleußner, and Dirk Lange stand united in their commitment to diversity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.

On Saturday evening, July 25, 2026, several people were struck by a vehicle in Berlin’s Tiergarten, and others were injured with bladed weapons. One woman was killed, and numerous people were injured. The investigation into the motives and the exact sequence of events is ongoing.

As a sign of mourning for the victim, sympathy for the injured, and solidarity with the queer community, the city of Jena is flying its flags at half-mast.

Mayor and Head of Public Safety Benjamin Koppe speaks on behalf of the entire city leadership: “Our thoughts are with the woman who was killed, her family and friends, as well as with all those injured and the people who had to witness this attack. We extend our deepest sympathy to them. The fact that people in the context of Christopher Street Day have fallen victim to such an act of violence shocks us to the core. Regardless of the motive for the crime—which has yet to be fully determined—one thing is clear: intimidation, hatred, and violence, regardless of the extremist motives behind them—including religiously motivated extremism and, in particular, Islamism—must never be allowed to dictate whether people can live openly, freely, and on their own terms. Jena stands with the queer community. We will not waver in our commitment to protecting diversity, human dignity, and peaceful democratic coexistence.”

The extent to which this stance is supported in Jena was demonstrated by Christopher Street Day on June 20, 2026. Around 4,000 people marched peacefully through downtown Jena, advocating for diversity, equality, and acceptance. The CSD was thus once again the largest event of its kind in Thuringia.

The city’s leadership stands united in support of an open, diverse, and democratic society. The attack in Berlin underscores how important it remains to resolutely oppose every form of hatred, misanthropy, and violence, and to stand in defense of those who are targets of exclusion or threats. The city of Jena therefore remains firmly committed to the protection of human dignity, the freedom of every individual, and peaceful, democratic coexistence.

The City of Jena thanks the law enforcement officers, emergency medical services, and all volunteers who cared for the injured and supported those affected following the attack in Berlin.

Christopher Street Day commemorates the decades-long struggle of queer people for equal rights and social acceptance. The City of Jena regards protection against discrimination and respectful, peaceful coexistence as indispensable foundations of a democratic society. The flags at half-mast symbolize mourning, sympathy, and our collective stand against hate and violence.