On the fifth anniversary of the racist attack in the German city of Hanau, ceremonies were held to commemorate the nine victims. Former German President Christian Wulff, in his speech, called on society to defend diversity and resolutely oppose hatred and racism. The events of February 19, 2020, when the perpetrator shot nine people in two shisha bars, still evoke painful memories and debate about fighting right-wing extremism. The ceremonies bring together victims' families, politicians, and residents, highlighting the need for remembrance and preventive action.

Ceremonies on the fifth anniversary

In Hanau, events were held commemorating the nine people killed in the racist attack of February 19, 2020. They were attended by victims' families, politicians, and city residents.

Appeal by former President Wulff

Christian Wulff, former President of Germany, in his speech appealed for the defense of societal diversity and resolute opposition to hatred, racism, and extremism.

Background of the attack and its consequences

The perpetrator, motivated by far-right and racist views, shot people in two venues before committing suicide. The attack shook Germany and sparked a debate about the safety of minorities.

Debate on combating extremism

The tragedy in Hanau became a reference point in the German public debate about the effectiveness of fighting right-wing terrorism and the need for better protection of vulnerable groups.

Germany commemorated the sixth anniversary of the racist attack in the Hessian city of Hanau. On February 19, 2020, the perpetrator, motivated by far-right and racist beliefs, shot nine people in two shisha bars before taking his own life and that of his mother. The event shocked the entire country and became one of the bloodiest acts of hate-motivated terrorism in modern Germany. On Friday, March 6, 2026, official ceremonies honoring the victims were held in Hanau. The main speaker was Christian Wulff, former President of Germany. In his speech, he appealed to society to defend diversity and firmly oppose all forms of hatred, racism, and extremism. His words were directed at both politicians and ordinary citizens, emphasizing that civil society plays a crucial role in creating an open and safe environment for all. Wulff stressed that remembering the victims of Hanau must go hand in hand with concrete preventive actions. Hanau is a city in the federal state of Hesse, best known as the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, and in modern times it developed as an industrial center. Today, it is a large, multicultural city home to people of many nationalities. The 2020 attack was an unprecedented act of racially motivated violence in post-war Germany, exposing deeply rooted social problems. The attacker, 43-year-old Tobias R., acted alone, but his ideology was rooted in far-right conspiracy theories spreading online. After the attack, German authorities, including the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), intensified monitoring and combating extremist environments. Nevertheless, victims' families and non-governmental organizations criticize the authorities for an insufficient response to earlier warning signs and for sluggishness in the investigation and support for those affected. The anniversary is therefore not only a time of mourning but also a moment for reassessing security and integration policy. Across Germany, other memorial actions are also being organized, such as rallies, exhibitions, and panel discussions, aimed at maintaining awareness of the threats posed by radicalization. „Wir müssen unsere Vielfalt als Stärke begreifen und entschieden gegen Hass, Rassismus und Extremismus auftreten.” — Christian Wulff

Mentioned People

  • Christian Wulff — Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, main speaker during the ceremonies commemorating the victims of the Hanau attack.
  • Tobias R. — Perpetrator of the racist attack in Hanau on February 19, 2020, who killed nine people and then himself and his mother.