Five years since the racist Hanau Attack: Commemorations to honor the victims
Five years have passed since the racist terrorist attack in Hanau, Germany, where nine people, including four of Turkish descent, lost their lives on February 19, 2020. The tragedy remains a painful memory for the victims’ families and communities.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the attack, a series of memorial events and ceremonies will be held in Hanau and across Germany on February 19. Religious services will take place at the victims' gravesites, and prayers will be offered in mosques and churches throughout the day. Anti-racism rallies and commemorative gatherings are also planned.
Official Commemoration Ceremony
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to attend the official memorial service in Hanau. Following a ceremony at the Hanau city cemetery, President Steinmeier will deliver a speech at the Hanau Congress Park.
Hessen State Premier Boris Rhein and Hanau Mayor Claus Kaminsky are also expected to address attendees. Family members of the victims will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and memories during the ceremony, which will conclude with prayers and moments of reflection.
The 2020 Hanau Terror Attack
On the night of February 19, 2020, far-right extremist Tobias Rathjen carried out a mass shooting at two cafés in Hanau, targeting individuals with immigrant backgrounds. Nine people were killed, including four Turkish nationals.
Shortly after the attack, German special forces discovered Rathjen and his 72-year-old mother dead in their home. Authorities confirmed that the attacker held a hunting license and had left behind a manifesto and video outlining his extremist views.
At the time, then-Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the attack, stating, “Racism is poison, hatred is poison, and this poison exists in our society.”
In December 2021, Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced that its investigation had found no sufficient evidence of accomplices, instigators, or confidants involved in the attack, leading to the closure of the case.
Despite the official findings, calls for further investigation and demands for greater action against right-wing extremism persist. The Hanau attack remains a stark reminder of the dangers of racism and xenophobia, prompting continued efforts to combat hate and ensure justice for the victims.
