Berlin Rocked by Series of Shootings: Justice Senator Warns of Gang War
Berlin, February 13 – A series of shootings has once again shaken Berlin, with incidents reported overnight in Tegel and Kreuzberg. One person was injured in Tegel when a vehicle was shot at, while a business in Kreuzberg sustained property damage. The Berlin police have responded to the escalating violence by increasing controls across the city.
These latest events follow a troubling pattern of attacks. On Wednesday evening, shots were fired at an apartment door in Berlin-Köpenick, though no injuries were reported. Sunday saw two additional incidents: a shisha bar in Wedding was targeted, resulting in minor injuries from glass fragments, and a workshop in Neukölln was shot at, causing only property damage.
Special Unit “Ferrum” Investigates
The State Criminal Police Office’s special unit “Ferrum” is investigating all cases. This unit was established late last year in response to a surge in shootings across the capital. Over the past three months, “Ferrum” has conducted raids on bars, restaurants, and known organized crime hotspots.
The unit’s efforts have yielded significant results: twelve live firearms and 192 rounds of ammunition have been seized, 223 investigations have been initiated, and suspects have been identified in 49 cases. Based on these investigations, judges have issued nine arrest warrants.
Justice Senator Warns of Gang Conflict
Berlin’s Justice Senator Felor Badenberg (CDU) addressed the escalating threat on RBB-Inforadio, stating, “We are now seeing rival gangs using visible violence on Berlin’s streets, be it through hand grenade attacks on establishments or shootings at people, vehicles, and buildings.”
Incidents Overview:
- Wednesday evening (Köpenick): Shots fired at an apartment door. No injuries.
- Sunday (Wedding): Shisha bar targeted, one person slightly injured by glass fragments.
- Sunday evening (Neukölln): Workshop shot at, property damage.
- Overnight (Tegel): Vehicle shot at, one person injured.
- Overnight (Kreuzberg): Shots fired at a business, property damage.
The police presence has been visibly increased in affected areas, with officers conducting intensified checks and patrols. The aim is to deter further acts of violence and reassure residents. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations.
The series of shootings has raised concerns among residents and political figures alike, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat organized crime and ensure public safety in the German capital. The Justice Senator’s strong warning underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for further escalation if the underlying issues are not addressed.
The city’s security forces are working diligently to piece together the motives behind these attacks and to bring those responsible to justice. The long-term strategy involves a combination of intensified police operations, intelligence gathering, and preventative measures to disrupt criminal networks.
Further updates on the investigations and the city’s response are expected as the situation develops.
