Solingen – November 02, 2026 -- The German firefighters' union dfeug is demanding consistent prosecution of attackers after Halloween-night violence in Cologne forced patient care to continue partly under police protection.
Firefighters attacked during firefighting operations in Cologne
The dfeug West regional association condemned violent attacks on fire services, emergency medical services and police in Cologne and other cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Cologne police confirmed the assaults. Firefighters were attacked while fighting fires, and crews were targeted with pyrotechnics and glass bottles. According to Cologne's mayor, patient care partly had to be provided under police protection.
Union separates Gen Z demonstration unrest from Halloween violence
The union also condemned attacks on police in connection with the Gen Z demonstrations. It distinguished between the riots after the demonstration and the later violence on Halloween night. It rejected any blanket condemnation of peaceful demonstrators.
Hill calls for prosecution, protection measures and a clear societal stance
René Hill, chair of the dfeug West regional association and deputy state chair for North Rhine-Westphalia, said that emergency crews needing police protection to help people points to a fundamental failure. He argued that attacks endanger both responders and the people waiting for urgent help.
The dfeug is calling for consistent criminal prosecution, effective protection measures and a clear societal stance against violence toward emergency personnel. Hill said attackers must face legal consequences.