Illegal Party in Zürich-Wipkingen Ends in Violence Against Police

Several hundred people gathered without permission in the early hours of Saturday morning, with officers responding to reports of assaults facing a hostile crowd.

Zürich city police were called to the Nordstrasse/Rosengartenstrasse junction in Kreis 10 just before midnight on Friday 18 April, after reports of an illegal party in the pedestrian underpass. Several hundred people had gathered, blocking the passageways and setting up a sound system, generator, and drinks supply — all of which were confiscated when officers moved in to break up the event.

As police dispersed the crowd, they were attacked with bottles and stones, forcing officers to deploy pepper spray and rubber buckshot. The group then moved towards Wipkingerplatz and Röschibachplatz, where a second round of attacks on officers took place and further crowd control measures were used. The situation calmed by around 12.30am. One person was arrested on suspicion of throwing bottles. Two police patrol vehicles were damaged, as were at least two privately owned cars parked nearby.

Source: Official Stadt Zürich press release, 18 April 2026