Police in Cologne deployed water cannons on October 31 after clashes with demonstrators following a Halloween protest at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer.

On the evening of October 31, police in Cologne responded to clashes following a Halloween demonstration at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer. The protest, originally organized around themes of education, conscription, and affordable living, began at 2:15 PM but was declared over by the event organizer at 4:00 PM after participants began wearing masks and igniting pyrotechnics. Following the conclusion of the event, groups of individuals attacked police officers, prompting law enforcement to deploy water cannons to disperse the crowd.

One police officer sustained a hand injury during the clashes and was rendered unfit for duty. Authorities have initiated several criminal investigations, including charges of assault on police officers and serious breaches of public peace. As part of their response, police are currently conducting identity checks on several hundred individuals near Thürmchenswall at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer. To accommodate those being held for questioning, police have provided water and mobile toilets, as the measures are expected to take time.

Police presence remains heightened across Cologne and Leverkusen as officers monitor reports of small, disruptive groups in the city center. No incidents of looting or significant property damage have been reported so far. Martin Lotz, the operation’s commander, emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating, ‘We will not tolerate attacks on officers or uninvolved individuals. Our priority is to ensure the safety of the people in Cologne and Leverkusen.’ Authorities have urged residents to report suspicious activity or violent groups by contacting the emergency police hotline at 110.