Radical Ideologies - In Mannheim, individuals honor the fallen officer.
A moment of silence. The bell in the Old Town Hall's tower in Mannheim's Market Square chimes once. People begin to clap, first tentatively, then with more force. Rouven Laur's mother, whose son was a murdered police officer, loses her composure and weeps alongside her husband and family members. They stand next to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU).
More than 1500 people congregate at the location of the slain officer to commemorate him at 11:34 a.m., who was fatally stabbed by a 25-year-old Afghan a week prior. Throughout the country, police officers pay their respects to the murdered Laur at this time.
Steinmeier later describes the stabbing attack following conversations with police officers and Laur's relatives as a "brutal terrorist act." The perpetrator appears to have acted from a political, likely Islamist, background.
In the past few weeks, we've witnessed other "despicable acts of politically charged violence," states Steinmeier. "Democrats in this country will never grow accustomed to violence in political disputes."
Many individuals leave flowers at the crime scene. Renée Reichert, 33, attends with her child to light a candle in memory of Rouven Laur. "This is terrible," the 33-year-old remarks about the crime. Later, representatives from the AfD lay flowers and wreaths at the Market Square.
A gathering occurs in Mannheim where citizens commemorate the slain police officer. Posters with phrases such as "Against hate and hate speech" are displayed. The meeting, under the banner "Mannheim stands together - for democracy and diversity," was organized by the German Trade Union Confederation, along with partners from democratic parties, religious groups, and civil society. A counter-demonstration by "Mannheim against the Right" transpires at the same location afterward.
The AfD initially intended to demonstrate against Islamism at the Market Square in Mannheim, but a decision by the Administrative Court of Baden-Württemberg prompted them to relocate to the Parade Square. According to the police, approximately 700 people attended the AfD event, while around 3300 counter-demonstrators gathered. The Mannheim city administration had contested the Market Square as the location for the AfD demonstration.
The five victims of the attack continue to endure pain. Stefanie Kizina of Pax Europa remarks, "We are all still shocked." She continues, "One has always lived with the danger, but somehow one has always assumed that it wouldn't be that bad." Co-board member Michael Stürzenberger is required to return to the hospital due to his blood loss from his injuries. The 59-year-old will be out of action for at least four to eight weeks.
The movement now places greater emphasis on the safety of its members, according to Kizina. "From now on, there will be no more events without protective barriers. The police are now paying more attention to us."
The chairman of the German Police Union, Ralf Kusterer, is touched by the vast support for Laur's death. However, anger blends with the grief. "People are naturally disillusioned," he says of the police officers' mood. "The frustration with politics is immense." Following such acts, there are extensive political discussions and demands, but ultimately no tangible changes occur. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the training of police officers, the provision of protective equipment, and the treatment of wounds after assaults.
Those involved in the operation are receiving psychological care. A Mannheim Police spokesperson declined to comment on their condition. Ulrike Schäfer, President of the Mannheim Police Headquarters, stated on Tuesday, "Those who had worked with Laur and were present during the tragic event are currently receiving psychological support." Thomas Strobl, Interior Minister, told the "Mannheimer Morgen" in a video statement that "the sense of security of the people has been shaken." He empathizes with the public's fears after the deadly knife attack. "The police are saddened, but continue with their work."
The attacker was shot during the attack by a police officer. Due to his injuries, he underwent surgery. The 25-year-old migrated to Germany from Afghanistan as a teenager in 2013 and filed an asylum application. The application was rejected in 2014, but a deportation ban was imposed, presumably due to his young age. The assailant had lately resided in Heppenheim with his wife and two small children. The General Prosecutor's Office has taken charge of the investigation in this case.
The Mannheim police department has scheduled a public funeral for the slain officer on June 14th. It will occur at the Congress Center Rosengarten, according to a statement released by the police headquarters. Notably, this event will only be attended by relatives, special guests, and employees of the Mannheim Police Headquarters due to space constraints.
Meanwhile, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) intends to ease the deportation of dangerous criminals to Afghanistan and Syria. While specific implementation details remain unclear from his recent government announcement.
