Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate victims of Hamburg shooting NDR.de – News

In addition to relatives of the bereaved and the surviving victims, representatives from more than 50 Hamburg communities of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well as representatives from politics and authorities attended. Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD), Deputy Mayor Katharina Fegebank (Green Party) and Parliament President Carola Veit (SPD) also attended the event.

Gathering near the crime scene

Around 3,300 people gathered about a kilometer from the scene of the crime. In the entrance area of ​​the sports hall, tables were set up where the guests could deposit their cards and farewell letters. The dark interior of the sports hall was seated. A large, plain stage stood at the front of the hall, adorned with five large bouquets of flowers.

Memorial speech with thanks to the police

“We are speechless at the level of violence and brutality,” said Dirk Ciupek of the Central Europe branch in his commemorative address. The community felt a great debt of gratitude to the police, who, without hesitation and at the risk of their lives, prevented further victims on the night of the crime. In his speech, he described the characteristics and peculiarities of each victim. “Yes, we miss our dead, we mourn our dead, they will remain part of us,” said Ciupek.

Tschentscher: “We mourn with the relatives of the dead”

Hamburg’s Mayor Tschentscher said: “We were all shocked and deeply affected by the shooting and the human suffering that is associated with it. We mourn with the families and relatives of the dead.” Hamburg has never experienced such a crime before. Parliament President Veit sent her condolences on behalf of the citizenry.

Greetings from the Federal President

Tschentscher also read a message from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD). It said, among other things: “This merciless act leaves behind nothing but loss, grief and destruction.” The crime is directed against what Germany stands for. “This injustice affects us all.” In addition to the guests in the sports hall, more than 90,000 people followed the funeral service via live stream on the Internet.

Before that, a commemoration event by the Christian churches

The Christian churches had already last Sunday in the main church of St. Petri commemorated the victims with an ecumenical event. With the cross-faith commemoration event, the Hamburg churches wanted to give the mourning space and donate consolation and care. Jehovah’s Witnesses supported the commemoration but did not attend the funeral service themselves.

Eight dead after killing spree

In the killing spree on March 9 in Deelböge Street in the Alsterdorf district, 35-year-old Philipp F. killed seven people – including an unborn child – and himself. Nine people were injured in the shooting.

Further information

First it was said that the weapons authority had not found a book by the gunman despite a tip. But that was wrong. (03/22/2023) more

After the killing spree in Alsterdorf, the Hamburg police are taking the first steps. The work processes in the weapons authority are to be improved. (03/22/2023) more

The major Christian churches wanted to set an example with the ecumenical service in the main church of St. Petri. (03/19/2022) more

After the shooting in Hamburg-Alsterdorf, those interested can express their condolences in the book. It’s a week away. (03/18/2023) more

While Hamburg’s chief of police, Ralf Martin Meyer, cannot see any mistakes by the weapons authorities, the opposition is demanding clarification. (03/14/2022) more

How did the crime unfold, who are the victims, what do we know about the perpetrator? The authorities have commented on the current status of the investigation for the second time. (03/19/2023) more

The strictly religious community has around 170,000 members in Germany. At the center of their teaching is the expectation of the end of the world. more