47-year-old injured by air rifle shot in Potsdam – police are investigating!

47-year-old injured by air rifle shot in Potsdam – police are investigating!

In the column of bizarre incidents that have characterized the Cologne scene in recent days, one incident in particular stands out: On Monday evening, June 24, 2025, the police were called to downtown Potsdam. A 47-year-old man, who was staying with several other people in the courtyard of an apartment building on Kiezstrasse, suddenly heard a noise and then felt pain in his upper body. Police believe he was injured by a projectile from an air rifle. Fortunately, no medical treatment was necessary, but the circumstances under which this incident occurred raise questions. How carelessly are such weapons handled in urban areas?

The officers secured evidence at the crime scene and began searching for possible perpetrators, but without proof of success. The investigation is ongoing under suspicion of grievous bodily harm in connection with a violation of the weapons law. This is particularly explosive because air rifles, despite their popularity as sporting equipment, are dangerous if used carelessly. Improper use can have serious consequences, which is also made clear by the legal situation surrounding air rifles. According to juraforum.de these weapons fall under strict legal regulations, especially with regard to their fire energy and public carrying.

The legal framework

As the weapons law in Germany stipulates, weapons that operate with a kinetic energy of over 0.5 joules require approval. For air rifles that have a bullet energy of no more than 7.5 joules, it is sufficient if they are sold to adults and are marked with a “pentagon”. However, the acquisition and use only takes place with appropriate evidence or under certain prerequisites, such as proof of expertise, suitability and reliability. What is particularly alarming is that a firearms license may also be required for some air rifles, explains [statista.com](https://de.statista.com/themen/1201/schuss Waffen/).

These strict requirements are intended to ensure that the use of such weapons does not fall into irresponsible hands. The sense of security in society is at stake, especially when dangerous incidents like the one in Potsdam occur. This was also evident in the steadily increasing number of crimes involving the use of firearms. In 2023, over 9,100 such offenses were recorded in Germany, which underlines the need for strict gun laws and once again points to the relevance of the current discussion about gun law.

The search for witnesses

Police have asked citizens to come forward if they have observed anything in the Wall am Kiez area that could be connected to this incident. Information can be sent directly to the Potsdam police station on 0331 5508-0 or to any other police station. In times when reports of gun violence are becoming more and more common, civil courage is needed. Every tip could be crucial in advancing the investigation and bringing potential perpetrators to justice.

However, it remains to be hoped that such incidents will spark a discussion about the use and safe handling of air rifles and other firearms. It is the responsibility of all of us to promote safe coexistence and to raise awareness of the dangers of the careless use of firearms. We continue to closely monitor developments in this case and will report as soon as there is news.