Oldenburg | Murdered Lorenz A.: Black balloons instead of birthday candles

Dozens of black balloons rise into the bright blue sky above Oldenburg on Saturday afternoon. It is May 11, 2025, the 22nd birthday of Lorenz A. Instead of a celebration, nearly 1,000 people gather to remember the young Oldenburger whose life was taken from him in a police operation three weeks ago .

Black T-shirts read "Rest in Peace, Lorenz," but for many of those present who knew him personally, there was no such thing as peace. "We say loud and clear, this was not a tragic accident – ​​this was murder," Soniya Alkis of the "Justice for Lorenz" initiative shouts into the microphone. Many people hold up signs reading things like "3 bullets from behind – who was the threat here?" or "A service weapon doesn't mean a get-out-of-jail-free pass!"

The anger in the square is palpable. Less than a week after the fatal shooting, a demonstration with 10,000 participants formed. "Remembrance also means fighting," Alkis explains to applause, emphasizing that Lorenz's death is not an isolated incident.

Ellen, a close friend of the family, takes the floor and, as she had done at the mass demonstration, speaks on behalf of the family with a trembling voice: "That night, those five shots from behind at Lorenz, changed our lives forever." Lorenz's mother, his family, and friends are standing before the ruins of their lives, desperately searching for the cause. Nevertheless, she finds words of gratitude: The sympathy of all the people in Oldenburg and throughout Germany gives the family strength.

Further, very personal contributions follow. Erce, to whom Lorenz was "like a brother," has brought a farewell letter. Maisha, a childhood friend, reads on behalf of the deceased: "Sometimes you're at a loss for words – especially when you have to say goodbye to someone who was so much more than just a friend." Lorenz had "a heart that was bigger than anything else" and was always there for his friends. It is almost unbearable that they will never be able to experience all those shared moments again. "Lorenz, you were a gift in my life, and I will never forget you."

Lorenz's cousin Alina also wrote a message, which was read aloud by Beybun Seker from the "Justice for Lorenz" initiative. In it, she describes her cousin as a person who was always there—"strong and protective" when she needed him. He often seemed quiet and reserved, "but he had so much heart." "You were enough. You were wonderful," Alina's text ends, as many in the crowd repeatedly wipe tears from their eyes.

Mixed in with the grief are resolute cries of, "No justice, no peace!" When Suraj Mailitafi, spokesperson for the initiative, asks, "How can someone standing behind be a threat?" some resolutely shout back, "Not at all!" Four bullets hit the 21-year-old in the back, head, and hip; a fifth missed. "How can we trust a police force that first kills and then investigates itself?" Mailitafi continues. The fact that the officers' body cameras were turned off also increases the mistrust of many. "Enough!" echoes across the square. "We demand justice – complete, independent, consistent!"

At the end, the entire assembly sings "Happy Birthday" – tearfully and, on this Mother's Day, which falls on Lorenz's birthday, directly to his mother, who is standing in the front row. "Even if we end this rally now, our commitment will not stop," promises Soniya Alkis of the initiative. Lorenz's death is "not the end, but the beginning of resistance." They will continue to fight as long as necessary.

Many people responded to the call to contact them after the event to become active in the initiative, the initiative later confirmed to »nd«.