A popular female streamer from Germany was violently attacked while broadcasting live from the crowded streets of Cologne during New Year's Eve celebrations, according to reports from German media. The disturbing incident, captured live on her stream, has since gone viral, amassing millions of views and igniting a fresh debate about the safety of women in public spaces during major events.
Live Stream Turns Violent: Details of the Attack
The streamer, known online as Kunshikitty to her more than 200,000 Twitch followers, was walking through a packed area as part of her live broadcast. According to the German publication BILD, an individual suddenly threw an object that struck her head. Moments later, she was hit by another item. While initial reports suggest the object may have been a firework, the Cologne police have not officially confirmed this detail.
Viewers of the livestream witnessed the streamer react in clear pain, exclaiming she had been hit on the head. Demonstrating resilience, she continued her broadcast for over an hour following the assault. She later stated her intention to file a formal police report. Cologne police confirmed they have initiated an investigation after the video began circulating widely online. As of Thursday evening, authorities had not identified any suspects or disclosed a possible motive.
A Disturbing Pattern and Broader European Violence
In comments reported by BILD, Kunshikitty implied she was targeted because of her gender and physical stature, suggesting the attack might not have occurred if she were a larger person. This was sadly not her first experience with harassment while streaming in public. Earlier in 2025, she faced verbal and physical harassment during Oktoberfest.
The Cologne attack did not happen in isolation. New Year's Eve was marked by broader violence across parts of Europe. For instance, police in the Netherlands confronted extreme aggression, with officers targeted by fireworks and petrol bombs in several cities, leading to multiple injuries. The BBC reported that two deaths were linked to firework accidents.
Echoes of 2015 and Ongoing Investigation
This incident painfully revives memories of the mass assaults reported on New Year's Eve exactly ten years ago, in 2015. During that night, more than 1,000 women across Germany reported being assaulted. In Cologne alone, police documented over 500 cases, a significant number involving sexual assault. Those events triggered nationwide protests and a prolonged debate about law enforcement and public safety.
The current attack on Kunshikitty has brought these unresolved issues back to the forefront. The Cologne police have stated that the case remains under active investigation, and more information is anticipated in the coming days. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges regarding women's security during large public gatherings.