Mannheim commemorates Rouven Laur: A year after the knife attack

Mannheim commemorates Rouven Laur: A year after the knife attack

Marktplatz, Mannheim, Deutschland - On May 31, 2025, a commemoration of the police officer Rouven Laur, who was the victim of a fatal knife attack on the same day in the previous year, will be held in Mannheim. This tragic incident, in which Laur von Sulaiman A. seriously injured and succumbed to his injuries two days later, had a lasting impact. The memorial event begins at 3 p.m. on the Mannheim market square and is visited by Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt and State Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl. Both politicians keep speeches and emphasize the importance of peace and cohesion in society.

In addition to Rouven Laur, there will also be a musical performance by the state police orchestra on the marketplace. As part of the commemoration, a “city point” is unveiled, which informs about the events of May 31, 2024 and is reminiscent of Laur Service as police chief commissioner. For this purpose, a base plate made of basalt is embedded with three stainless steel stars. The marketplace has been called "Rouven-Laur-Platz" since the act.

public memories and vigil

The event is supplemented by an inter -religious prayer of peace of the Forum of the religions Mannheim and thus shows the variety of sympathy within the city. The Laur family's lawyer expresses gratitude for the great sympathy and sees consolation in memory of the deceased. However, the “Pax Europa” group was canceled due to criticism of its implementation, which underlines the sensitivity of the topic.

The city of Mannheim has experienced a changed feeling of security since the act, as citizens express. The trial against attacker Sulaiman A. started in February 2025, and he is charged with murder and five times attempted murder. The memorial event takes place in a context that not only reflects the loss of a life, but also the discussion about security and cohesion in society.

restricted local transport

The city also took measures in local public transport for the event. The railway lines between Paradeplatz and the evening academy are closed in the afternoon from 1:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to ensure that the commemoration is smooth. The weekly market on the market square ends at 1 p.m. to make room for the memorial event.

This commemoration not only refers to the grief for Rouven Laur, but also to the demand for a respectful cooperation in a historical time in which the feeling of security of many citizens is in question. "We have to stand together in difficult times," a participant will later give a record, which aptly summarizes the spirit of the event.