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German Cities Tighten New Year Fireworks Rules as Police Probe Shootings and Blast Injuries

Following shootings, suspected gang activity, fireworks injuries, authorities escalate controls with large deployments.

Overview

  • Frankfurt and Wiesbaden have set safety zones that bar fireworks and large bags, with Frankfurt deploying several hundred officers and Wiesbaden adding controlled entry points and a drone show at the Kurhaus.
  • Dortmund police are investigating gunfire at a private home linked to a resident with ties to outlaw motorcycle groups after shots were fired on December 26 with no injuries reported.
  • In a separate Dortmund case, a 27-year-old was shot on a public street near Evinger Straße; police and prosecutors are seeking witnesses and have released a suspect description.
  • A prolonged Bochum operation ended with SEK officers shooting and wounding a 28-year-old who allegedly brandished a knife after damaging cars; the case is under prosecutorial review.
  • Fireworks misuse led to severe injuries, including an 18-year-old in Heidelberg with eye and facial trauma and a man in Bad Ems hurt while attempting to blast open a cigarette machine, with Kripo leading the investigations.