The German government expressed its strong disapproval on Wednesday regarding a troubling series of events that unfolded on New Year’s Eve, where numerous police officers and firefighters were injured, primarily due to attacks involving fireworks. This year’s celebrations, which normally include the widespread use of fireworks in public spaces as part of welcoming the new year, took a dangerous turn as some of the festivities turned violent against emergency personnel.
In Berlin alone, reports indicate that 30 police officers and a firefighter were wounded during clashes or direct assaults as the night progressed, resulting in approximately 400 arrests, according to local officials. To mitigate the situation and prevent further violence, a significant number of police officers from various states were dispatched to the capital.
The dangers associated with fireworks were highlighted by tragedies across the nation, with five fatalities reported and hundreds more injured due to accidental fireworks injuries, as reported by the German news agency dpa. In Berlin, the use of powerful illegal fireworks caused even greater chaos and danger, leading to severe property damage in two neighborhoods and injuring many residents, some critically. The city’s fire department noted that the strong explosions resulted in extensive destruction, damaging building facades and shattering numerous windows.
Currently, according to dpa, 36 apartments have been rendered uninhabitable due to the extensive damage. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser commented on the situation, emphasizing that the proactive deployment of substantial police forces, including federal and state officers, alongside early and decisive actions against those perpetrating violence, are essential measures. She stressed the necessity of these strong interventions based on the number of arrests made and the ongoing attacks targeting police officers.
Faeser extended her wishes for a swift recovery to all injured officers and affirmed a commitment to ensure that anyone involved in these incidents would face legal consequences with the fullest severity possible.
