Mannheim knife attack leaves six wounded, police fire at suspect
A joint statement from the Karlsruhe Public Prosecutor's Office and the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) revealed that they are currently unsure about the identity of the attacker. The State Protection has taken over the investigation, teaming up with the LKA and the Mannheim Police Headquarters.
All victims reportedly received medical attention, with some requiring emergency surgery. An injured police officer was reportedly stabbed multiple times in the back of the head.
Reports suggest that the attack was possibly targeted against anti-Islam activist, Michael Stürzenberger. His group, Pax Europa, mentioned him as one of the injured on their website.
Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minister, Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), criticized the "brutal act of violence" in Mannheim. "We're grateful to the police officers who quickly stepped up and prevented any further damage," he said. Kretschmann added that anyone attacking police officers was "assaulting our democratic state."
Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister, Thomas Strobl (CDU), lauded the police officers for their "determined and courageous" actions. They successfully neutralized the knife wielding suspect, he explained. The investigation into the circumstances of the attack is ongoing, Strobl announced.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) described the incident as an "attempted murder" that injured multiple people. "Violence should not have any place in our democracy. The perpetrator must face consequences," he said further. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also condemned the knife attack. "There is no room for violence within our democracy. It destroys what it sets out to protect," he added.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) found the images of the attack shocking. "The inquiry will uncover the background of this crime, including the motive behind the attacker," she said, speaking in Berlin. "If the probe reveals an Islamic motive, then this crime would demonstrate the immense threat of Islamic violence, which we've warned against." She expressed hopes for a full recovery for all victims.
Mannheim Police spokesperson told Welt that there's currently no clarity on the motives of the suspect. "We can't comment on that right now," he said.
Thomas Mohr, chairperson of the Mannheim Police Union, was "shocked" by the officer's assault. Michael Mertens, the deputy chairperson of the federal association of the GdP, added, "This incident shows that police officers must always consider potential attacks on their persons while performing their duties. The danger is quite real."
Michael Stübgen (CDU), the chairman of the Interior Ministers' Conference, viewed the knife attack in Mannheim as a sign of societal decline. "The investigation must determine the motive of the perpetrator. This horrific act highlights the current state of our society," he concluded.
Stürzenberger and his circle within the Pax Europa movement have been marked by authorities as engaging in constitutionally relevant Islamophobia. As a past meeting leader for Pax Europa, Stürzenberger has also written for the right-wing extremist website, Political Incorrect, sharing "Islamophobic statements."
