Security turn in Berlin: Knife ban in all local transport now!

Security turn in Berlin: Knife ban in all local transport now!

A comprehensive ban for knives and other weapons is introduced throughout the public Berlin transport. This new regulation was announced by the Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) in the RBB24 evening show and is scheduled to come into force this month. The step follows an increase in violent crime, especially through knife attacks. Last year, 3,412 such attacks were registered in Berlin, which corresponds to almost ten incidents per day.

The ban applies to all S- and U-Bahnen, regional trains, buses, trams, ferries as well as for station buildings and platforms. However, bus and tram stops are excluded. The aim of this measure is to increase the feeling of security of passengers and to send a strong signal to society that the rule of law acts actively against the growing threat from knife attacks. At the same time, the police control options should be expanded.

occasion and discussion

The discussion about the ban intensified after a severe knife attack, in which two people died in April. In a video count with representatives of the Senate, the police, the federal police, the BVG and S-Bahn, the need for the ban was discussed. The latest fatal incident, in which a 29-year-old German was attacked by a 43-year-old Syrian with a kitchen knife, accelerated the debate.

The alleged attacker was shot by the police and later died in the hospital. CDU parliamentary group leader Dirk Stettner called for an expansion of the ban to go beyond public transport. He appeals to the federal government to adapt the gun right to enable a comprehensive ban on knife. This claim is supported by the police union (GdP). Their country chief, Stephan Weh, expressed concern about the high number of violent crimes with knives.

permanent betting zones

Since February 15, 2025, three permanent betting zones in Berlin have been in crime in Berlin: Leopoldsplatz in Wedding, Görlitzer Park and Kottbusser Tor in Kreuzberg. The police can carry out suspicion -independent controls within these zones. If someone violates the ban, this can be punished as an administrative offense, with fines of up to 10,000 euros.

The ban includes all types of knives, including pocket and kitchen knives. However, there are exceptions: knives that are not "available", or which serve a "generally recognized purpose", may be carried. However, it often remains unclear how this term is defined. Rescue workers and employees in certain professional groups are also exempt from the ban. The police union expresses concerns about the enforceability based on these exceptions.

In summary, it can be said that the upcoming weapons ban in Berlin's local transport should set a clear sign against increasing violent crime. The measures pursue the goal of securing the security of the citizens and at the same time strengthening the police capacity ability to act.

Further information can be found in the reports of RBB24 about the announcement of the ban, from southern German. Claims] (https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/berlin-messerattacke-polizei-u-bahn-ahnkehr-li.3238670) as well as the permanent Knife prohibition zones in Berlin.