A rainbow-coloured bench in Berlin’s Tiergarten commemorating the attack at the city’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) event has been damaged for the third time within just a few weeks. Unknown perpetrators damaged several wooden slats on the seat and completely broke off at least one section of a slat, Berlin police said on Tuesday. The State Security Division of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office (LKA) is investigating the incident.
Police officers discovered the latest damage during the night into Tuesday. The bench had already been destroyed for the first time at the beginning of September. According to earlier police statements, several wooden slats were forcibly broken off.
After being rebuilt, the bench was returned to its original memorial site on September 14. Last week, unknown perpetrators removed one of the wooden slats from the colourful bench, while two other slats were also damaged.
Berlin’s Mitte district installed the bench on August 6 and, at the same time, replaced a tree that had been cut down following the attack. The aim was to create a place for remembrance while also setting a sign for diversity, respect and the right to live life according to one’s own choices. The newly planted tree was also damaged in September. Unknown perpetrators pulled it out of the ground.
The attack took place on July 25, 2026, when a 21-year-old man drove a delivery van into a crowd near the CSD event before steering it into a tree. He then attacked additional victims with a machete. A woman from Poland was killed and 31 other people were injured.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
