Dresden remembers the victims of the Islamist knife attack in the old town

Dresden remembers the victims of the Islamist knife attack in the old town

On October 2, 2025, the city of Dresden will look back on a drastic event that occurred five years ago. In memory of the victims of an Islamist-motivated knife attack, a memorial plaque will be ceremoniously presented in the old town on this day. The inscription reads: “In memory of the victims and those affected by the knife attack on October 4, 2020. The background to the crime was terrorist Islamism.” The memorial event will take place in Rosmaringasse, not far from the Palace of Culture.

Where the tragic event took place on October 4, 2020, two men from North Rhine-Westphalia were victims of a brutal attack. A 53-year-old man died from his injuries, while his partner survived with serious injuries. The perpetrator, a 21-year-old Syrian, was identified as an Islamist threat due to his previous criminal history and was later sentenced to life in prison in 2021 for murder and attempted murder. This reports MDR.

A memorial with meaning

Survivor Oliver L. has in the past been critical of the public debate surrounding the incident, in which the attack was often classified as homophobic. It is clear to him that this is an Islamist-motivated terrorist act. Because of the terrible memories, he even described Dresden as a “horror city” and categorically ruled out returning to this city.

Large numbers of people are expected to attend the memorial event. Among the guests are also important representatives of the federal victim protection officers and the federal states of Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. Pascal Kober, the Federal Government's Victims' Commissioner, will express his sympathy for those affected and emphasize the importance of countering extremist ideologies. And Barbara Havliza, the victim protection officer from North Rhine-Westphalia, will also find that Islamist attacks pose a serious threat to our society.

Saskia Kloppich, the Saxon State Government's Victims Commissioner, will speak about the arbitrary selection of victims and the perpetrator's terrible intention to incite fear. Many witnesses to the attack were there, and the event is still deeply rooted in the memories of those present. It is a moment of remembrance, but also of reflection on the challenges that our society has to overcome.

Make a mark

The memorial event also offers the opportunity to lay flowers or wreaths. In these quiet moments of remembrance, it becomes clear how important it is to keep the memory of the victims alive. On the anniversary of the attack, it becomes clear that society is called upon to clearly distance itself from violence and extremism. Everyone is invited to celebrate this day together and work towards a peaceful future.

In the coming days, there will be no shortage of opportunities to commemorate the victims and take a joint stand against any form of terrorism. Saxony media service reports that the memorial plaque is an important step in this direction and the remembrance shows that such acts must never be forgotten.