Berlin police report increase in firearm offenses

Berlin police have recorded 585 incidents involving the use of firearms during the first half of 2026, marking an increase from 561 cases during the same period last year. The statistics include 324 threats and 261 instances of shots being fired, encompassing lethal weapons as well as blank, irritant, and signal guns.

Of the 65 instances where live firearms were discharged, police identified 62 as criminal offenses. These incidents resulted in 118 victims, including two fatalities. Recent violent events include shots fired at a bar in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and incidents in Neukölln.

The specialized police unit “Ferrum,” established in November 2025 to combat organized crime, has launched 708 investigations, secured 77 arrest warrants, and seized 73 live firearms since its inception. The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office investigation group “Telum” is also managing hundreds of related legal proceedings.