Vandals uproot tree commemorating victims of Pride march attack in Germany
In Berlin, Germany, vandals uprooted a maple tree planted in August in Tiergarten Park at the site of a deadly attack during this year's Pride march. The Local Germany reports, citing police.
The maple tree and a nearby bench painted in rainbow colours served as a place to commemorate the victims of the July attack. According to police, a 65-year-old woman from Poland was killed in the attack, while around 30 other people were injured.
The bench was damaged earlier
Last week, police reported that wooden slats had been torn off the rainbow bench using considerable physical force. Law enforcement officers noted that other nearby benches were not damaged.
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The Mitte district council promised to replace the bench. District Mayor Stefanie Remlinger said it symbolises freedom and solidarity with the queer community, and that the damage was directed against these values.
The tree has been promised to be replanted
Werner Graf, leader of the Greens faction in the Berlin parliament, addressed the city's queer people and said they were not alone. He also promised to replant the tree as many times as necessary.
Police suspect that the attack on participants in the July Pride march was carried out by a 21-year-old German citizen who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. According to law enforcement, he used a car and a machete. The day after the attack, police shot the suspect when he was hiding.
