Jochen Kopelke, the federal chairman of the Police Union, expressed gratitude to the emergency services following the Halloween events, while also commending the students who “peacefully took to the streets to advocate for their concerns.” According to the Funke media group’s Monday editions, he stated that anyone campaigning for better schools, a more affordable living, and for their future deserves to be heard. Kopelke remarked that these young people demonstrated democratic engagement and stressed that their issues must not be eclipsed by the actions of the violent perpetrators.
He sharply criticized the rioters, labeling the far-left attackers who exploited peaceful protests as cover for hatred directed at the police as “cowardly thugs.” He also stated that the aggressive young men who looted stores and attacked officers possess no political message. Kopelke refuted inquiries regarding whether the police needed special preventative measures for the upcoming protest on November 20th, or whether the demonstrations should be restricted. “No, we have experienced very good regional deployment concepts and have witnessed professional police work,” Kopelke said. He also noted that the municipal authorities handling the assemblies “performed very well.”
Kopelke remains optimistic about apprehending additional perpetrators, given that pictures of their faces were taken during the looting. He explained, “Videos from social media serve as digital evidence that we can analyze using specialized technology and software, initiating the identification of the suspects. The public prosecutor can then launch manhunts based on this investigative work, ensuring that the individuals can be quickly arrested after the crime. We will now bring all perpetrators from the digital world into the real world and arrest them.”
