Hitler salute in Dresden: Police intervene in tram incidents
On August 12, 2025 in Dresden, a 45-year-old gave the Hitler salute on a tram. Police are investigating.

Hitler salute in Dresden: Police intervene in tram incidents
In the early morning hours of August 12, 2025, there was an incident on tram line 13 in Dresden that raised eyebrows. A 45-year-old man repeatedly gave the Hitler salute, causing a stir among the passengers. An attentive 22-year-old fellow passenger then spoke to the man. However, this request resulted in an insult from the older gentleman.
The situation escalated and the police were alerted. Officers from the Dresden Police Department were quickly on the scene and got the man off the train at the “Bautzner Straße/Rothenburger Straße” stop. In the course of this arrest, state security initiated an investigation because the incident involved the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The legal basis is set out in Section 86a of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the use of such license plates in order to protect public order and the dignity of the constitution. Historically, this includes, among others, banned parties such as the National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) and various right-wing extremist organizations.
Reactions and reporting
Such incidents are a serious topic in current reporting on police operations in German cities. Loud POLICE TICKER.Online This is a platform that regularly provides information about crime, accidents, missing persons reports and other relevant events. The incident in Dresden fits seamlessly into the daily reporting on acts of violence and criminal investigations that are published on the portal.
Particularly in times when extremist ideologies are once again becoming the focus of society, dealing with such acts correctly is of crucial importance. Germany has strict laws banning symbols and statements associated with National Socialism. Experts point out that the use of such license plates not only has legal consequences, but also represents a problem for society as a whole.
The social context
The incident on tram line 13 is not just an individual offense, but is emblematic of a larger discussion about how to deal with extremist statements in public. Society must continually grapple with the question: How do we deal with such provocations? The 45-year-old is not the first to draw attention to himself with such gestures, and he won't be the last. It remains important to appeal to our fellow human beings not to look away, but to show moral courage.
Overall, the incident shows that the issue of using symbols of unconstitutional organizations has not only legal but also deeper social implications. The ongoing investigations will be closely followed and the public's reaction will also be crucial in dealing with such issues.