Memorial for Rouven Laur: Mannheim mourns the loss of fallen police officers

Memorial for Rouven Laur: Mannheim mourns the loss of fallen police officers

Mannheimer Marktplatz, 68159 Mannheim, Deutschland - On May 31, 2025, a moving commemoration for the police officer Rouven Laur, who was killed on May 31, 2024, took place in Mannheim. The 25-year-old Laur was seriously injured in a knife attack by a suspected Islamist and succumbed to his injuries on June 2, 2024. High-ranking politicians took part in the ceremony, which took place at 3 p.m. on the Mannheim market square, including Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister Thomas Strobl and Mannheim's Mayor Christian Specht.

Mayor Specht recalled Laur's values ​​and police work, while Interior Minister Strobl described the brutal act as "bestial". He emphasized that such acts would not remain without consequences. Dobrindt emphasized the risk of taking police officers on duty and demanded maximum support for politics for the security forces. The von Laur family expressed the wish that his death was not for nothing and spoke out for measures against violence.

a sign of peace and respect

The commemorative event aimed to set a sign of peace, respect and cohesion. As part of the celebrations, an interreligious prayer of peace took place after the speeches, which was initiated by the Mannheim religions. Cultural contributions, including musical performances by the large brass ensemble of the state police orchestra, also ensured the emotional accompaniment of the ceremony. The unveiling of a glass stele and a memorial plate on the market square, which is supposed to remind you of Rouven Laur, was particularly impressive.

The marketplace, now known as the "Rouven-Laur-Platz", is marked by a base plate made of basalt with three stainless steel stars, which is embedded near the crime scene. These measures are intended to ensure that the place of remembrance is not forgotten for Laur. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also sent his thoughts and compassion to the relatives of Laur.

legal claims and future steps

The legal consequences of the crime are also important. A main procedure for murder and attempted murder was initiated against the alleged perpetrator, Sulaiman A. The events about Rouven Laur's death raise important questions of police force and the introduction of reforms. A current study by the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main shows that the topic of police force in Germany is increasingly focused on.

The study illuminates that excessive police violence is often inadequate and that young men are often the main victims. It calls for an improvement in training, communication within the police and a reform of criminal processing of police force in order to promote respectful and safe cooperation.

The commemoration for Rouven Laur not only created a culture of remembrance, but also represents a contribution to the ongoing discussions about police violence and the necessary reforms.