AfD wreath incident: Man barred after trying to remove party wreath at Bendlerblock
A 61-year-old man was barred from a Berlin government commemoration after an AfD wreath incident at Bendlerblock, where security intervened and the wreath was damaged. The disruption occurred on the morning of the ceremony honoring resistance fighters against the Nazi dictatorship. The man, identified as Tobias Korenke, told reporters he had not planned the act and met to speak in the Marriott lobby opposite the Bendlerblock. His daughter briefly visited during the conversation to offer a short farewell.
Attempt at the memorial
Korenke approached the commemorative site during a government ceremony and attempted to remove a wreath placed by the AfD parliamentary group. He reached for the floral tribute before security personnel stepped in and stopped him from taking it away. The interaction left the wreath damaged, and eyewitnesses reported a tense exchange before the scene was defused. Organizers proceeded with the event after the interruption.
Security response and access restrictions
Security staff prevented Korenke from completing the action and subsequently excluded him from the ceremony. Officials at the site acted quickly to maintain order, removing the individual from the attendance list for the remainder of the event. Photographs and accounts from attendees indicate that the intervention was physical but contained, aimed at avoiding further escalation. Organizers confirmed he was not permitted to take part in the commemoration following the incident.
Korenke’s account and intent
In a later conversation in the Marriott lobby, Korenke said he had not planned the disruption in advance. He described his actions as spontaneous and denied any prior coordination or intent to provoke a scandal at the government memorial. Reporters who spoke with him noted he appeared composed and willing to explain his motives in person. He declined to elaborate on any broader political affiliations or strategies beyond what he told those present.
Damage to the wreath and symbolic impact
The wreath, placed by the AfD parliamentary group, sustained visible damage during the attempt to remove it. Observers at the Bendlerblock described the scene as charged, given the symbolic nature of the commemorative event for resistance fighters against the Nazi regime. The incident briefly shifted attention away from the commemorative program and raised questions about confrontations at memorial ceremonies. Organizers moved to repair the disturbance and continue the scheduled proceedings.
Family reaction in the lobby
Korenke’s daughter arrived while he was speaking and paused to say goodbye before he left the hotel for the event. She offered a brief, supportive remark in German—”Halt die Ohren steif, Papa”—as she departed, a phrase commonly used to encourage resilience. The moment underscored the personal dimension behind an act that unfolded in a highly public setting. Family members present at the scene did not elaborate further to reporters.
Official follow-up and next steps
Organizers and security personnel handled the incident on site and did not allow Korenke to re-enter the commemoration. There has been no immediate public announcement of formal charges or an investigation from authorities in connection with the episode. Officials at the event focused on restoring the ceremony’s intended focus on the memory of resistance fighters and on ensuring the remainder of the program proceeded without further disruption. Attendees resumed the scheduled tributes after the situation was contained.
The episode at the Bendlerblock highlighted how politically charged symbols and gestures can intersect with solemn state commemorations, prompting rapid responses by event security to protect the program and participants.
