Bernese Cantonal Police intervened early Sunday morning to disperse an unauthorized gathering of several hundred people in a vacant building on Landoltstrasse. Following the eviction, participants formed a spontaneous procession through the city center, leading to traffic disruptions and minor vandalism.
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds gathered for an illegal party in a vacant Bern building.
- Police used irritant spray during efforts to prevent access to the Federal Palace area.
- The spontaneous procession caused traffic issues and minor property damage.
- No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway.
Unauthorized Gathering Dispersed
The incident began around 12:20 AM on Sunday. Authorities received reports of a large event taking place inside an empty property located on Landoltstrasse in Bern. Patrol units responding to the scene discovered several hundred individuals had gained unauthorized entry into the cordoned-off building.
Upon police request, the attendees began to leave the premises. This initial phase of the operation focused on safely clearing the illegally occupied space without major incident.
Fact Check
- Time of Report: Approximately 00:20 AM.
- Location: Landoltstrasse, Bern.
- Number of Participants: Several hundred individuals.
Spontaneous Procession Through City
After vacating the building, the large group did not disperse. Instead, they organized into an impromptu procession. This group began moving through Bern's inner city, taking a route that included Sandrainstrasse and Marzilistrasse, heading towards Bundesrain.
Police units quickly moved to monitor and manage the procession. Their primary goal was to ensure public safety and prevent further unauthorized actions or movements towards sensitive areas.
Police Intervention and Use of Irritant Spray
During the procession, some participants attempted to push towards the Federal Palace and the core city center. Law enforcement officers actively worked to block these attempts. It was during these efforts, specifically near Bundesrain, that police briefly deployed an irritant spray.
"Our priority was to maintain public order and prevent access to critical areas," a police spokesperson stated. "The use of irritant spray was a brief and necessary measure to manage the crowd's movements."
This measure helped to redirect the group away from restricted zones. The police then escorted the procession along Schwanengasse, through Baldachin and Bollwerk, until it reached Schützenmatte, where the gathering eventually dispersed.
Background on Public Gatherings
Unauthorized gatherings in vacant buildings can pose significant safety risks, including structural integrity issues, fire hazards, and lack of emergency exits. Spontaneous street processions, while sometimes peaceful, can disrupt traffic and lead to unintended public order challenges if not managed properly by authorities.
Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
While the event unfolded, some individuals engaged in spray-painting buildings along the procession route. This resulted in minor property damage. Additionally, the movement of such a large group through the city center naturally led to significant traffic disruptions for a period.
According to current police reports, no injuries occurred during the entire incident, which is a positive outcome given the size of the crowd and the nature of the interventions. The Bernese Cantonal Police have now initiated investigations into potential criminal offenses, including trespassing and property damage.
- Damage: Spray-painting incidents on buildings.
- Disruption: Traffic flow was affected in the city center.
- Injuries: No injuries reported by the police.
- Investigation: Police have started inquiries into possible criminal acts.
The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when managing large, spontaneous gatherings. Authorities continue to gather evidence and identify those responsible for any illegal activities during the night.