Bern police attacked in two weekend incidents; officer injured during Marzilibad operation
A police officer was lightly injured Sunday at Bern's Marzilibad outdoor pool when an unknown assailant attacked her during an operation, while a separate incident hours earlier saw pepper spray deployed after objects were thrown at officers.
Marzilibad pool incident
Shortly before 17:30 on Sunday, 28 June 2026, the Bern cantonal police received a report concerning a person at the Marzilibad outdoor pool. Pool staff had repeatedly asked the individual to leave the women's area, but the person refused. Several guests had complained about the person's presence, prompting the call to police.
When officers arrived and attempted to carry out an identity check, several other people at the pool expressed solidarity with the individual. They interfered with the police intervention while the person actively resisted police measures. During the operation, a person who has not yet been identified physically attacked a female police officer. The officer sustained light injuries.
The individual at the centre of the incident was taken to a police station for further questioning and was subsequently released.
Unauthorised solidarity demonstration
After the person's release, a solidarity demonstration assembled at Waisenhausplatz. The gathering had no official permit. It moved through Bern's city centre without incident. According to the cantonal police, the march remained peaceful and no property damage was reported.
Saturday night disturbance on Viktoriastrasse
Earlier the same day, shortly after 01:30, multiple noise complaints led police to a restaurant on Viktoriastrasse. Officers encountered several hundred people on the street, who were making considerable noise and temporarily disrupting public transport.
As police moved to dissolve the gathering, the situation intensified. Several individuals obstructed identity checks and threw objects at the responding officers. Police deployed pepper spray to regain control and restore public order. One person affected by the spray was treated on site by an ambulance crew and later released. No further injuries were recorded among those present or among the police.
Investigations ongoing
The Bern cantonal police have launched investigations into both the Marzilibad incident and the Viktoriastrasse disturbance. The assailant who attacked the officer at the pool remains unidentified.
- Police respond to noise disturbance on Viktoriastrasse; several hundred people block street, objects thrown, pepper spray deployed.
- Report of person refusing to leave women's area at Marzilibad; officer attacked and lightly injured during operation; later unauthorised solidarity demo.
