Hamburg CSD draws record 300,000 amid heightened security after Berlin attack

300,000 March in Largest-Ever Hamburg CSD

Seven days after the Islamist attack in Berlin, 300,000 people marched through Hamburg. The CSD here has never been this large.

Diversity especially visible: Parade for Christopher Street Day moves along Hamburg's Steindamm. Photo: Lisi Niesner/reuters

From Hamburg — Ilka Kreutzträger

Trucks, balloons, rainbow flags, soap bubbles, and banners reading: "Trigger warning: Friedrich Merz," "Protect queer youth," "We were always here, we are always here, we will always remain here."

On Saturday, 300,000 people took to the streets for the CSD in Hamburg — more than expected and more than ever before. The start of the demonstration, which moved down Steindamm toward the city center, quickly became invisible. A person in a gold sequin jacket hugged a state criminal police officer standing nearby, briefly rested a hand on his shoulder, and said, "Hey, thanks, that needs to be said too." "Of course!" the officer replied. "If anything happens, just let us know."

Context: One Week After the Berlin Attack

The Hamburg CSD took place exactly seven days after the attack on the CSD in Berlin, in which a mother from Warsaw died. She was there with her daughter, who was seriously injured. Thirty other people were injured when a 21-year-old deliberately drove a car into people near the CSD. He was shot dead a day later during a police operation, had been classified as an Islamist threat, and was under surveillance — though not around the clock.

Security Measures

According to security authorities, no specific threat warnings were received for the Hamburg CSD until the last moment. Nevertheless, police adjusted their security concept:

• Concrete barriers and trucks positioned along the route
• Helicopters and drones deployed
• Units from other federal states brought in
• Communication teams walking along the route
• Twice as many forces deployed as planned before the Berlin attack

Despite these measures, police blended into the huge, colorful crowd.

Record Attendance and Solidarity

"We must not be afraid now, because then the side that is against us and does not want us to live a free life would have won." — Thomas Hoffmann, board member of Berlin Pride

It was the largest CSD Hamburg has ever seen — police and organizers agreed on this. Both praised the very peaceful course of the major event under the motto: "Solidarity queer. Taking a stand — for a future without fear."

Nearly 150 groups took part, most on foot, along with tens of thousands along the route. Almost 60 trucks participated, including one from Berlin Pride.

"Tears have been shed here on our truck, and at the same time, everyone says it's good that we are here, that we are visible and joyful — and that we are dancing. That's what makes the CSD," said Thomas Hoffmann. "We must ensure that the majority society also recognizes that freedom for everyone is threatened here."

Dual Threats: Far-Right and Islamist

Police protection at the CSD in Hamburg on August 1. Photo: Lisi Niesner/reuters

Organizers highlighted the far-right threat — the more everyday one, also visible in the AfD's election results. "At the same time, we must not overlook that Islamist terror, which now resulted in a concrete attack in Berlin, is a danger to the queer community." Both exist simultaneously and must be addressed simultaneously.

Minute of Silence for Berlin Victims

"No one from the federal government came to Hamburg, so there is no signal from the government to the queer community, showing: We stand by your side." — Stefan Mielchen, former chairman of Hamburg Pride

"Berlin, we stand firmly by your side," Christoph Kaymann, co-chair of Hamburg Pride, had already said in the evening.