Berlin youth hostel attack leaves 31 students injured

A group of students from Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, was targeted in an irritant gas attack at a youth hostel in Berlin-Mitte. The incident, which occurred on Köpenicker Straße, resulted in 31 injuries, primarily involving eye irritation and respiratory issues. Two students required outpatient hospital treatment.

The attack followed a series of confrontations. An unidentified group of eight to ten youths had previously engaged in verbal disputes and loud disturbances by knocking on dormitory doors. During the escalation, one individual sprayed large amounts of irritant gas toward the students, and several students were pushed or shoved.

Police report that a preliminary encounter occurred the previous day, during which one student was slapped by a member of the attacking group. The suspects fled the scene when police were alerted, and a search of the surrounding area has not yet been successful. Authorities are investigating the incident for threats, bodily harm, and dangerous bodily harm.