47-year-old in Potsdam injured by air rifle shot-police investigated!

47-year-old in Potsdam injured by air rifle shot-police investigated!

In the column of the bizarre incidents that have shaped the Cologne scene in the past few days, an incident is particularly evident: On Monday evening, June 24, 2025, the police were called to downtown Potsdam. A 47-year-old man who, together with several other people in the courtyard of an apartment building on Kiezstrasse, suddenly heard a noise and then felt pain in the upper body. The police assume that he was injured by a projectile of an air rifle. Fortunately, medical treatment was not necessary, but the circumstances under which this incident occurred raised questions. How lightly is such weapons dealt with in urban areas?

The officials secured traces at the scene and went in search of possible perpetrators, but without proof of success. The investigation is under suspicion of dangerous bodily harm in connection with a violation of the weapons law. This is particularly explosive, since air rifles are dangerous, despite their popularity as sports equipment, if they are used carelessly. The improper use can have serious consequences, which also makes the legal situation around the air rifle clear. According to [juraforum.de] (https://www.juraforum.de/lexikon/luft rifle), these weapons fall under strict legal regulations, above all with regard to their fire energy and public support.

The legal framework

As the weapons law defines in Germany, weapons that operate over 0.5 joules with a kinetic energy are subject to approval. For air rifles that have a floors of no more than 7.5 joules, it is sufficient if they are sold to adults of adults, with a “pentagon” to be marked. However, the acquisition and leadership are only carried out with appropriate evidence or in the event of certain preconditions, such as the detection of expertise, suitability and reliability. It is particularly alarming that a gun license may also be necessary for some air rifles, explains Statista.com.

These strict requirements are intended to ensure that the use of such weapons does not get into irresponsible hands. The feeling of security in society is at stake, especially when dangerous incidents like that in Potsdam. This was also visible on the steadily increasing number of offenses with firearm use. In 2023, over 9,100 of such offenses were recorded in Germany, which underpins the need for a strict weapons law and again indicates the relevance of the current discussion about gun rights.

The search for witnesses

The police asked the citizens to report if they have made observations in the Wall am Kiez area that could be connected to this incident. Information can be addressed directly to the Potsdam police inspection on 0331 5508-0 or to any other police station. In times when reports on weapons are becoming more common, civil courage is required. Every hint could be crucial to advance the investigation and to hold potential perpetrators to account.