Hamburg reviews security for Pride Week after deadly Berlin CSD attack

Hamburg's Pride Week is proceeding under heightened security concerns following a deadly attack at the Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebration in Berlin. The incident, which saw a car driven into a crowd on the sidelines of the CSD festivities, resulted in one fatality and 29 injuries, some severe. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the event as an Islamist terrorist attack.

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The attack in Berlin also overshadows the start of Pride Week in Hamburg.

In response, Hamburg's authorities are re-evaluating security protocols for the city's upcoming CSD parade and associated Pride Week events. Mayor Peter Tschentscher stated that while security in Hamburg is generally high, particularly against vehicle attacks, the Berlin incident necessitates a thorough review. "The attack in Berlin also overshadows the start of Pride Week in Hamburg," Tschentscher told dpa, emphasizing that security officials are committed to protecting the demonstration and ensuring Hamburg sends a strong message of tolerance and diversity.

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The Hamburg security authorities are doing everything to protect the CSD demonstration and the events of Pride-Week in our city, so that Hamburg can send a strong signal of tolerance and diversity again this year.

Interior Senator Andy Grote announced a review of security measures, confirming close coordination with the Interior Ministry, police, and the queer community to guarantee maximum safety. "We will do everything to ensure that participants can demonstrate as freely, self-determinedly, and safely as every year," said Equality Senator Maryam Blumenthal.

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Against the background of the terrible act in Berlin, the security measures for the CSD next week in Hamburg will be carefully reviewed again to ensure maximum security.

Organizers of Hamburg Pride have called for a demonstration in the city center, expressing solidarity with the Berlin community. "We are thinking of the Berlin community," read a statement shared on Instagram. Manuel Opitz, a spokesperson for Hamburg Pride, confirmed ongoing discussions with the police regarding security arrangements following the Berlin attack. "It is important that we do not let ourselves be made invisible by violence," Opitz urged, appealing for broad support from Hamburg's society to ensure the event's success and safety.

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We will do everything to ensure that participants can demonstrate as freely, self-determinedly and safely as every year.