Berlin, September 30th, 2026 (The Berlin Spectator) – Berlin is a large city, at least for European standards. It might be ridiculously small compared to Mexico City, Tokyo or Shanghai, but it is twice as big as Germany’s second-largest city Hamburg. With 3.9 million inhabitants, Berlin also looks good compared to other European capitals.
On the other hand, the situation in Berlin is starting to feel unbearable in some ways. Left-wing and right-wing extremist parties are strong, part of the public transport does not work, some boroughs are dirty as hell and then there is crime. The number of knife attacks and shootings is increasing.
Looking at the daily reports the Berlin police send out to the press does not cause optimism, but worries. One of the reports that came in on Monday describes a crazy situation: Officers were called to a restaurant in the Wedding neighborhood on Sunday because of an argument between a 28-year-old man and a group of teenagers. So far, this might sound like an everyday issue that could pop up in any city.
Officers Attacked
But then, the argument turned into a fight during which the 28-year-old man stabbed a 16-year-old with a knife. The boy, who was part of the group, needed to be taken to a hospital. His life was not in danger, but he had to be treated and stayed at the clinic.
It gets even crazier: When the officers arrived at the scene in order to investigate, they were attacked by the man and the kids in the group. Two of them were injured in the face and on their hands, according to the police statement. They had to be treated by a doctor as well and could not finish their shifts.
Afterwards, three suspects underwent standard identification procedures in custody before they were let go. The police began an investigation.
Terrible Movie
Is this story crazy enough yet? Probably not. Because, once the three suspects, one man and two teenagers, left the police station, a person took shots at them from a car that raced by. This reads like the script for a terrible movie, but it happened. One of the suspects was hit in the leg and had to be taken to a hospital as well. Berlin on a Sunday in September of 2026.
Those who might think this was an isolated incident might want to think again: Stabbings and shooting happene all the time. Just a few hours ago, on Tuesday night, two men were shot and injured in the Baumschulenweg neighborhood.
