The state protection unit of the police conducted searches on Wednesday morning at the homes of five men, aged 20 to 45, in and around Stuttgart. The suspects are said to have attacked gay men out of homophobia. The assaults targeted “alleged members of the cruising scene” in Stuttgart’s Degerloch district and at two rest stops along Interstate 81.
Between June 2025 and April 2026, the five suspects allegedly frequented cruising spots with quad bikes—four-wheeled, motorcycle-like vehicles—and sprayed men with fire extinguishers and punched them. Ten men sustained injuries, including bruising and respiratory irritation, according to police.
Police Finds Evidence
Joint investigations by the Stuttgart Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart police presidencies led investigators to the five suspects. The Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office (LKA) had already been involved in the lead-up. During the searches conducted by officers from the State Protection unit, with personnel from the Police Presidium’s Operations division taking part, four of the suspects were identified. The police found extensive evidence, which now must be evaluated. The investigations are ongoing. After the police actions were completed, the four suspects were released.
Police Urges Additional Victims to Come Forward
The police believe that many victims did not report out of shame and therefore there may be a high number of unreported incidents. Witnesses and especially other victims are asked to contact the Stuttgart Criminal Police at (0711) 89905778.
In Germany there have been repeated assaults on cruising men. Recently there were targeted attacks on gay men cruising in Berlin’s Volkspark Friedrichshain (TheColu.mn reported).
