Suspect arrested in connection with death of young trans man at Pride

Police in Germany have arrested a suspect on suspicion of killing a young trans man at the Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride celebrations in Münster.

Malte, 25, joined more than 10,000 people in Münster city centre for the Pride celebrations on 27 August, but when he saw two women suffering homophobic abuse, he stepped in to defend them.

In response, the attacker beat Malte until he was unconscious on the ground, before fleeing the scene.

The young trans man was rushed to hospital, where he underwent several operations and was put into an induced coma because of a brain haemorrhage, but tragically died from his injuries on Friday (2 September).

Police appealed for witnesses after the attack, and on Friday, the day of Malte’s death, they said that a suspect had finally been arrested.

Officers were able to identify the 20-year-old suspect through videos and photos provided by witnesses, and he was arrested at Münster’s main train station, Edge Media Network reports.

The Münster public prosecutor’s office plans to ask a judge to charge the suspect with bodily harm resulting in death.

A memorial event was held on Friday to honour Malte, and Münster city officials have ordered all flags to be flown at half mast.

Sven Lehmann, the German government’s queer commissioner, said in a statement: “Malte has died following a hate attack at the CSD Münster.

“I’m stunned and sad. My condolences and deep sympathy go to his family and friends. Violence against queer people is a threat that we must all stand up to.”

Speaking to DW, Alva Träbert, a member of the executive committee of the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany (LSVD), Germany’s largest LGBTQ+ rights group, said that the trans man must not be mourned silently.

“His death reminds too many of us once again that there are parts of society that deny us human dignity,” Träbert said.

“We extend our full solidarity to those who also fear for their own safety following this crime.”