Police in Cologne have voiced their stance on the cancellation of the gathering scheduled for this coming Saturday (August 30)
On August 30, 2025, the "Disarm Rheinmetall" assembly in Cologne took a violent turn, prompting a firm response from the police. The organization behind the demonstration was the "Rheinmetall Entwaffnen" alliance, an antimilitarist group based in Cologne, who had organised an antimilitarist parade.
The events unfolded around 3:30 PM, when black-clad individuals reappeared, tied banners together, and hid under a large flag. Participants in the assembly on Heumarkt began disguising themselves with unauthorized telescopic iron bars as early as 2:40 PM. As a result, the police stopped the procession in the area of "An der Malzmühle/Am Malzbuchel".
At around 5:40 PM, liaison officers of the police were attacked and injured by a larger group of people within the stopped procession on Mechthildisstraße. Attempts by individuals from the violent block to wrest weapons from the holsters of the officers failed. The police found various pyrotechnics, two helium gas cylinders, eight glass bottles filled with paint, a bottle of denatured alcohol, and sparklers during a search of the baggage wagon.
The attackers managed to steal two multi-purpose batons and operational documents from the liaison officers. Several police officers were injured during the operation, with two liaison officers unable to continue their duties after a cowardly assault.
Martin Lotz, the Leading Police Director, commented on the events, stating that although the majority of participants were peaceful, a block of about 500 people gave the assembly an unfriendly character in public perception. Lotz justified the decisive intervention by the riot police, stating that it was necessary to prevent worse outcomes.
Lotz also noted that the group detained included individuals from Berlin, and their behaviour might suggest they were not interested in protesting peacefully as prescribed by Article 8 of the Basic Law.
In a supplementary statement, the Cologne Police stated that after negotiations, the procession set off, but later, pyrotechnics, banners, change of clothing, and gloves were again distributed from the accompanying loudspeaker vehicle, prompting another stop by the police.
The police expressed regret over the violent actions of the group and stated that they had made it clear they would firmly address any violence or unfriendly actions. A parliamentary observer claimed to have been pushed by police officers during the containment, which will be investigated.
For media inquiries, please direct them to the Police Headquarters Cologne Press Office.
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