House searches for shots in Kreuzberg: SEK in action!

House searches for shots in Kreuzberg: SEK in action!

On May 1, 2025, there was a violent incident at the Mehringplatz in Berlin-Kreuzberg, in which shots were made. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. and led to a physical argument in which several people, partly seriously injured, were affected. Disputes on the square escalated, which finally led to the shot and physical attacks. Eyewitnesses reported on several vehicles that drove to the square before chaos broke out. After the shots, numerous people fled on foot and in vehicles in different directions, while investigators searched information on the crime and the vehicles involved. A man injured his shots and another suffered a stab injury. As a result of the incident, the police visited the State Criminal Police Office to accept anonymous information and to promote the investigation. Public security is strongly discussed by such acts of violence, also with regard to the general development of violent crime in Germany.

Today, on June 12, 2025, several house searches took place in Neukölln and Kreuzberg, which are related to the shots on May 1st. Officials of the special operations command (SEK) searched a total of four objects. This was the apartments of three suspects aged 22, 27 and 47 years and a witness. The searches were made due to the accusation of dangerous bodily harm. At the time of the shots, two of the suspects were in a car from which it was shot. Despite the intensive search, the officials found no suspected weapons of crime, but ensured narcotics, but there were no further details. Surprisingly, there were no arrests, which raises questions about the effectiveness of the investigation.

background to violent crime

According to current statistics, violent crimes in Germany make up less than 4% of all police crimes, but have a strong impact on the feeling of security of the population. In 2024, over 217,000 violent crimes were registered, which is the highest number since 2007. Due to economic uncertainties, social burdens and other risk factors, especially among those seeking protection, an increase in violent acts is observed. This development is worrying, especially since the number of annual victims of violence is around 260,000.

In recent years, an increased proportion of young violent offenders has been observed, with about a third of the 197,000 suspects under the age of 21. Covid-19 pandemic is also discussed as a possible factor for increasing violent crime. Despite these worrying tendencies, the police successfully clarified violence in over 75% of cases, which illustrates the efficiency of law enforcement. Nevertheless, the debate about violent disputes, as took place on May 1st in Berlin, remains a central topic in society.