Exactly five years to the day, when an attack at the Munich shopping center OEZ shook the city. An 18-year-old shot and killed nine young people for racist motives. There is a memorial for the victims at the scene of the crime today, and the memorial ceremony took place there today. With distance and masks, among other things, politicians, representatives of the church, police and rescue workers as well as survivors of the attack and relatives of the victims gathered.
OB Reiter: “Inhuman motives”
The first speaker on stage was Munich’s Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter. He addressed the survivors and relatives directly: “I see your faces, I see the pain and sadness that must accompany you every day.” Even five years later, it is difficult to find words for what has happened. Reiter read the names of all nine people who had died in the attack and spoke of the perpetrator’s “inhuman motives”. But he also emphasized: “Although he was a lone perpetrator. But he was not the only perpetrator who acted for these motives.”
Prime Minister Söder: “Racism grows like a tumor”
After the Lord Mayor, Prime Minister Markus Söder entered the speaker’s stage. He said of the victims: “You have not done anything wrong. You have not provoked anything. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and just happened to fit into the perpetrator’s sick worldview.” He recalled the hours of uncertainty and panic that had spread throughout the city after the shooting at the OEZ: “For all of us this is a day that has burned into our memories.” Again and again he assured relatives and survivors: “You are not alone.”
Söder also recalled the responsibility of politics and society to act against the racist attitude that was behind this as well as other attacks. “Racism is growing like a tumor in our society. It must be fought resolutely.”
Relatives: “I would have liked to swap places with my grandson”
The most moving speech was given by Gisela Kollmann. Her grandson Guiliano was one of the victims. “This is my first time speaking today,” she said, struggling to hold back her tears. She visibly fought for every word, her voice breaking again and again. She reported visiting her grandson’s grave almost every day. She has not been able to use public transport since the attack, loud noises and large crowds scared her. “A piece of my heart was torn out, it’s a deep pain that takes my breath away. I would have liked to swap places with my grandson. I’ve already lived my life. He still had his before him.”
Another memorial event will be broadcast live
When Gisela Kollmann left the stage, the audience rose and applauded. Then the politicians gathered to lay wreaths at the memorial.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – at the time of the killing spree – another commemorative event will be held by the Moosach district committee and the “We all are Moosach” initiative. Former Mayor Christian Ude and families of the victims will also take part. A minute’s silence is observed at 6:04 p.m. The BR will also broadcast this event – you can watch the live stream here.