Germany: Police respond to protest at Cologne town hall Jan. 31

Event

Protesters reportedly occupied Cologne's town hall building (Stadthaus Deutz) beginning at approximately 12:45 (local time) on Thursday, January 31. Police deployed to disperse the unauthorized sit-in, and reported property damage inside the building as a result of the protest. The city of Cologne announced it has filed criminal trespassing charges against approximately 60 people as a result of the incident. A heightened security presence and residual localized traffic disruptions are possible in the area over the coming hours. 

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.