Gen Z Protests Turn Violent Across Germany, Triggering Looting

Protests by young people organised by the GenZ Reglt! group, or Gen Z in Control, turned violent in Germany. Masked rioters looted several shops in Frankfurt and other cities.

According to a report by detikcom, citing AFP and the BBC on Sunday (1 November 2026), the demonstrations were inspired by similar movements in France and Italy and called on the political elite to pay attention to the aspirations of the younger generation. Most of the protests remained peaceful throughout the day.

Tensions escalated at night when groups of young people refused to disperse. Violence broke out in major cities, including Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg.

Police deployed water cannon against groups of young people who threw petrol bombs.

The worst unrest occurred in Frankfurt’s financial district. Police confronted protesters throwing stones, fireworks and petrol bombs, and responded with water cannon and pepper spray.

In a statement, police said “violent riots” were under way. “Windows in several shops have been smashed. Molotov cocktails have also been thrown at emergency responders.”

Gun shop looted

Masked rioters also looted several shops, including a gun shop. Its windows were smashed during the looting.

Police said they had arrested one suspect and seized two firearms. A shoe shop and a perfume shop were also targeted, according to the Bild newspaper.

Most of Frankfurt’s main shopping streets were closed as authorities tried to quell the unrest. AFP reported that police vehicles and riot police were preventing anyone from entering the area.

A police helicopter was seen flying overhead, while explosions could occasionally be heard in the streets.

At least one police officer was injured at the scene and was receiving medical treatment.

Hundreds arrested

Violence was also reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. Police said they had used water cannon to disperse protesters who attacked emergency responders with fireworks, stones and bottles.

In Cologne, police reported an attack on officers near the main railway station, where perpetrators threw bottles and a bicycle at them.

Cologne Police Chief Johannes Hermanns said he was “deeply concerned that peaceful protests by young people for their future had been infiltrated by extremist groups whose sole intention was violence”.

In Berlin, a demonstration that had initially attracted a large crowd drew fewer people later in the evening, but left 27 police officers injured. Around 56 people were detained, according to Berlin police.

In Hamburg, a group dressed in black set off fireworks and set fire to barricades. Public broadcaster NDR reported that 120 people had been arrested.