In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, 21-year-old Lorenz A. was shot and killed by police in Oldenburg during the early hours of Easter Sunday. The autopsy results revealed that Lorenz was shot four times, all from behind, raising serious questions about the necessity of the police's actions.
According to reports, Lorenz was initially rejected entry by bouncers at the "Pablo's" discotheque around 2:45 AM. Following this rejection, he allegedly sprayed irritant gas, injuring several individuals before fleeing the scene. Witnesses claim that some bystanders pursued him, but the chase was called off when Lorenz reportedly threatened them with a knife, although this claim has not been confirmed by authorities.
When police officers attempted to apprehend Lorenz, he allegedly attacked them with irritant gas. A 27-year-old police officer then drew his service weapon and fired at Lorenz, hitting him in the hip, upper body, and head. A fourth shot grazed his thigh. Lorenz succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital, prompting a wave of public grief and anger.
In response to the incident, the Oldenburg police president Andreas Sagehorn described the event as "tragic" and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. "This is emotionally understandable, but we must first unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic event according to the principles of a functioning legal system," he stated.
Lower Saxony’s Minister of the Interior, Daniela Behrens, expressed her shock at the autopsy findings, stating, "The autopsy results raise serious questions and devastating accusations that must be answered and clarified as part of the further investigations by the public prosecutor's office." She also noted that the presumption of innocence applies to the officer involved, who has been suspended from duty pending investigation for manslaughter.
Public sentiment has been further fueled by comparisons to previous cases involving police violence against individuals of color. Lena Nzume, a Green Party member of the state parliament, highlighted that Lorenz's death is part of a troubling pattern, referencing the cases of Qosay Khalaf, who died in police custody in 2021, and Lamin Touray, who was shot in 2024 during a police operation.
In light of these events, the initiative "Justice for Lorenz" has organized a rally in Oldenburg on April 25, 2025, expecting around 1,000 participants. The rally aims to demand a complete and independent investigation into the police operation that led to Lorenz's death. The event is being framed as a call for justice and accountability in the face of systemic issues surrounding police conduct.
As the community prepares for the rally, flowers and candles have been placed at the site of the shooting, symbolizing the grief and anger felt by many residents. Friends and acquaintances of Lorenz have shared their memories, emphasizing that he was not a violent person and that his actions on that night were out of character.
Despite the chaos of the night, the public is demanding clarity on the police's use of lethal force. The police union has also weighed in, calling for the introduction of tasers as a non-lethal alternative for officers in similar situations. Patrick Seegers, chairman of the German Police Union in Lower Saxony, stated, "We as police in Lower Saxony plead for the Taser, also in patrol service. Currently, there is only the firearm, and the use of firearms can end fatally."
As investigations continue, the community's calls for transparency and justice grow louder. The tragic death of Lorenz A. has not only reignited discussions about police violence but has also highlighted the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement practices to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the circumstances surrounding Lorenz A.'s death remain under scrutiny, with the public demanding answers and accountability from those in power. The upcoming rally is expected to serve as a pivotal moment for community solidarity and a call for systemic change in how law enforcement engages with citizens.
