At this year's carnival in Cologne, reality TV family the Geissens attracted enthusiastic crowds. Behind the scenes, however, some members wore bulletproof vests due to security concerns.
Robert and Carmen Geiss, along with their daughters Shania and Davina and grandfather Reinhold, joined the Rosenmontagszug parade in Cologne. They were warmly welcomed by revelers who treated them like carnival royalty. Unseen by the public, though, some family members wore bulletproof vests due to an alleged security threat.
Robert chose not to wear a vest, opting to rely on personal confidence. Carmen Geiss, on the other hand, insisted on extra protection for herself and her daughters, citing caution as her main motive.
A substantial security detail and local police accompanied the TV stars throughout the carnival. Despite heightened vigilance, the Geissens savored the festive atmosphere—while Carmen’s hit song “Jetset” played, many carnival-goers sang along. The family thanked the city for its hospitality but expressed concern about recent security incidents in Germany.
News of the Mannheim rampage, which left two people dead and several injured, sent shockwaves to Cologne’s carnival participants. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who also rode in the carnival, ended her appearance prematurely. The tragic event served as a stark reminder of potential risks.
Throughout the parade, Robert Geiss was treated almost like a carnival prince, receiving cheers from the crowd. He explained he was comfortable taking care of his own safety. Meanwhile, Carmen admits that hearing about warnings and potential threats made her feel more at ease with extra protective measures.
In the end, the Geissens enjoyed the celebrations but lamented the current climate of tension. They compared security in Germany with their experiences in Monaco and Dubai, places where they reportedly feel safer. For them, the carnival underscored both the joy of community festivities and the reality of evolving security challenges worldwide.
