Berlin Police Discharged Firearms Over 150 Times in 2025, Four Incidents Involved People

The Berlin police have reported a total of 154 incidents in 2025 where officers discharged their firearms during official duties. According to preliminary data provided by the Berlin Senate in response to inquiries from local lawmakers, four of these incidents involved shots fired at people. Among these, one individual lost their life and two others sustained injuries as a result of police firearm use.

The vast majority of firearm discharges by Berlin police in 2025 were directed at animals, with 115 cases resulting in animals being killed. Additionally, there were 16 incidents where shots were unintentionally discharged, highlighting the importance of ongoing training and safety protocols within the police force.

Comparing these figures to the previous year, the total number of firearm discharges by Berlin police officers has decreased slightly. In 2024, there were 179 recorded cases of police firearm use. Despite the overall reduction, the number of incidents involving shots fired at people remained consistent between the two years, with four such cases reported each year. The outcomes were also similar, with both years seeing one fatality and two individuals injured as a result of police actions.

The number of firearm discharges targeting animals saw a notable change. In 2025, officers fired on animals 115 times, which is lower than the 154 incidents reported in the previous year. This shift may reflect changes in operational procedures, animal control measures, or other external factors influencing police responses.

Regarding the classification of firearm discharges, 2024 saw three cases deemed as unauthorized use of weapons. As of the current data for 2025, no such incidents have been officially categorized as unauthorized, though 17 cases from this year are still under review.

Overall, the data indicates that, considering the large number of operations carried out by police in Berlin, officers resort to using their service weapons relatively infrequently. Statistically, shots are fired nearly every other day across the city. However, incidents involving people remain rare and are subject to thorough investigation and oversight to ensure accountability and adherence to legal standards.

The Berlin Senate and relevant oversight bodies continue to monitor police firearm use closely. The publication of these statistics is part of ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and public trust in law enforcement activities. Authorities have emphasized the importance of strict adherence to use-of-force guidelines and the necessity of regular training for officers to minimize risks to both the public and police personnel.

As investigations into the remaining open cases for 2025 proceed, further updates may be released to provide a comprehensive overview of police firearm use in Berlin. The commitment to transparency and accountability remains central to the city's approach to law enforcement and community safety.