Mannheim is a city in Germany. - Politicians express astonishment at violent incident
Omid Nouripour, head of the Green Party, branded the assault on multiple individuals at Mannheim's market square as a deplorable act. He expressed sympathy and wished for a speedy and complete recovery for the victims. "Freedom of expression must be defended against any violent act. Constructively challenging opposing views is crucial for a democracy. The perpetrator and his likely accomplices need to be dealt with severely through legal channels."
In a separate statement, Katrin Göring-Eckart, a Green Party politician, condemned the incident as disgraceful and totally unacceptable. The Vice President of the Bundestag stated that those who attempt to silence people with different viewpoints by using violence scuttle democracy and deserve to be addressed via legal avenues. She also extended her sympathies to the injured parties.
Alice Weidel, the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), expressed her concern and wished the individuals hurt during the incident, including Michael Stürzenberger, a quick healing process. Weidel credited the bravery of various law enforcement officers, one of whom was wounded, for preventing further harm.
Police have reported that a man severely injured several people on the Mannheim market square, including a police officer, who is now in a critical state and undergoing surgery.
