Several wounded in 'terrible' knife attack in Germany

knife attack

Several people were wounded in a knife attack in the German city of Mannheim on Friday, according to police. The attack occurred at 11:35 am in the market square. The assailant, wielding a knife, injured multiple individuals before being shot and wounded by police. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the "terrible" incident, stating on social media that "violence is absolutely unacceptable in our democracy" and calling for severe punishment for the perpetrator.

One of the victims of the attack was Michael Stuerzenberger, a prominent far-right activist and vocal critic of Islam. Stuerzenberger was scheduled to speak at a rally organized by Pax Europa, a group campaigning against radical Islam, when the assault took place. Reports indicate that Stuerzenberger suffered serious stab wounds to his face and leg, while a police officer was also injured, sustaining stab wounds to the back and neck.

Pax Europa, which has been classified as Islamophobic by Bavarian security services, stated on its website that several of its volunteers were also injured during the attack. The group noted that Stuerzenberger and the other victims were attacked at their information stand in the central market of Mannheim.

This incident comes amid a series of attacks on politicians and public figures in Germany in the lead-up to the European Union elections on June 9. The rising violence against political figures has raised concerns among German leaders. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier recently expressed his worry about this growing trend, emphasizing that Germans "must never get used to violence in the battle of political opinions."

The extent and severity of the injuries sustained by the victims are not yet fully known, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack. The incident has shocked the local community and has led to increased calls for enhanced security measures to protect public figures and ensure safety in public spaces.

The German media's attention to this incident highlights the broader issue of political violence and its impact on democratic discourse. As Germany prepares for the upcoming EU elections, the safety of political activists and the preservation of democratic principles remain top priorities for the nation's leadership and law enforcement agencies.