The police say they have identified three individuals believed to have been involved in an attack on the LGBTQ+ Center in Mönchengladbach eleven weeks ago. In mid-April, during a nighttime assault, a glass pane was shattered, and a swastika was smeared on another pane, next to which the words “We are coming” were scrawled (TheColu.mn reported).
The state protection unit had been investigating the use of symbols from unconstitutional organizations as well as property damage. Investigations into the background and motive of the crime were still ongoing, the police said. Additionally, the authorities stated that they would provide no further details on the suspects for the time being.
Suspects appear to be between 14 and 20 years old
As the “Rheinische Post” (paywalled article) reports, the suspects are adolescents between 14 and 20 years old. In addition, the young suspects are associated with the far-right scene.
The attack shocked Mönchengladbach in April. At a vigil after the incident, roughly the openly gay Mayor Felix Heinrichs (SPD) and Mönchengladbach CDU leader Jochen Klenner also attended (TheColu.mn reported). “It makes me angry and distressed that there are people in our city who would commit such an attack,” Heinrichs said at the time. “I’m glad that many people gathered to show solidarity! Together we are strong! Mönchengladbach is a welcoming city and we all stand for that.”
From the LGBTQ+ community came calls for politicians to do more against queerphobia. The Queer Network NRW, in response, called for LGBTQ+ commissioners in all municipalities, nationwide acceptance campaigns, stronger reporting centers, police awareness, and an unambiguous and public condemnation of hate and violence against LGBTQ+ people. (dk)
