Thousands rallied in Cologne to show solidarity with the queer community after the deadly attack at Berlin Pride two weeks earlier. Organisers estimated about 10,000 participants, while police said turnout was lower than the roughly 6,000 who had preregistered. Cologne Pride called on federal, state and local authorities to adopt concrete measures to protect queer life and institutions. The Berlin attacker, a 21-year-old, killed one woman and injured 31 people; he was shot dead by police the following day.
Cologne Stands With Queer Community After Deadly Berlin Pride Attack
A person holds up a sign that reads "is never a crime" during the solidarity march—held under the slogan "Cologne Shows Solidarity, Cologne Takes a Stand". Several queer initiatives and organizations had called for the march following the Islamist attack on the outskirts of Berlin's CSD. (is associated with: «Cologne marches for queer community after Berlin Pride attack») Roberto Pfeil/dpa
Thousands of people marched through Cologne on Sunday to show solidarity with the queer community following the deadly attack at Berlin Pride two weeks earlier. The demonstration, called by organisers of Cologne Pride, sought to honour victims and demand stronger protections for LGBTQ+ life and institutions.
Participants gathered in the Deutz district on the eastern bank of the Rhine and marched across the river toward the city centre. Organisers estimated roughly 10,000 people took part; police said the turnout was lower than the roughly 6,000 who had registered in advance. A dpa reporter described a long procession along the waterfront with police providing security throughout the event.
"Words of solidarity alone are not enough," Cologne Pride said in its call to action. "We are calling on the federal government, states and local authorities to take measures to ensure that queer structures and queer life are sustainably protected and strengthened, in order to counter the growing hostility towards queer people in our society."
On July 25, a 21-year-old drove a car into several people in Berlin's Tiergarten during Pride celebrations and is accused of subsequently attacking others with a machete. One woman was killed and 31 people were injured, some seriously. The suspected attacker was shot dead by police the following day after allegedly charging at officers.
Context
Pride events in Germany are commonly known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), named after the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in Manhattan, where the modern LGBT+ rights movement has its roots. Cologne held its main Pride march this year on July 5.
The Cologne demonstration combined mourning, public solidarity and political demands: organisers urged lawmakers at federal, state and local levels to adopt concrete measures to better protect queer communities and spaces amid rising hostility.
Help us improve.
