Police operation escalated: 19-year-old beats to the hospital

Police operation escalated: 19-year-old beats to the hospital

On May 18, 2025, there was an incident in Vienna that again put the problems with violence against the police in the light. Four young people were observed during a police check in Adalbert-Stifter-Straße who carry out the roar and martial arts movements. Despite the invitation of the officials to rest, two of the young people initially fled. However, these could be caught up quickly. The situation escalated and additional police forces were requested.

A 17-year-old behaved aggressively and insulted the police officers, while a 19-year-old Russian citizen threatened the official and screamed them. When he was arrested, the 19-year-old defended himself violently, attacked the police officers with blows and kicks. The arrest had to be carried out using physical violence, which meant that a police officer suffered a leg injury and had to be taken to the hospital. The background to the incidents is that the 19-year-old had several open demonstration commands because of unpaid fines.

increasing attacks on the police

The incidents in Vienna are not isolated. According to a report of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) , the number of attacks on police officers in Germany has increased to a new high. In 2023, around 106,000 civil servants became victims of violent acts, which corresponds to an increase of 10% compared to 2022. On average, 290 police officers are exposed to violence every day.

The violence against the police comprises a variety of acts, including physical injury, threat and resistance. Around 85% of these acts of violence are assault, often in the case of arrests. The 40 attempted killings of police officers who were recorded in 2023 are particularly alarming - three more than in the previous year. Firefighters and rescue workers are also increasingly exposed to attacks, with 687 registered cases in 2023.

claims for protection and measures

The unions urgently require measures to improve the protection of the civil servants. Alexander Poitz, the deputy federal chairman of the police union, spoke out for the creation nationwide nationwide affairs. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser also commented on the attacks and pointed out impending changes in the law, which could include the equipment of federal police officers with Tasern, among other things.

The increase in violence against state authorities is also associated with the demands for stricter punishments for attacks on civil servants. In Vienna, over 60 attacks on executive officers were registered in Vienna in 2023, which shows an increasing tendency compared to the previous year. In fact, more and more people are ready to defend themselves against the police, which endangers the security situation for both the officials and society as a whole.

The data and events listed illustrate an alarming image of the current situation in relation to the safety of police officers and other emergency services. The company faces the challenge of taking adequate measures to stop this violence spiral and to ensure the safety of everyone.

For further information on violence against state violence and statistics, comprehensive data is available on Statista illuminate.