Moment of quiet reflection. - The state legislature honors the fallen emergency personnel.
In a somber mood, the Thuringian Parliament paid their respects to the police officer who was killed during an alleged Islamist-inspired knife attack in Mannheim. Addressing the Assembly in Erfurt, Thuringia's Parliament President Birgit Pommer (Left) stated, "This event occurred while performing his duty, safeguarding a fundamental pillar of our democracy - the right to assemble freely." It's crucial that Germans unite against aggression and hostility.
A 29-year-old police officer lost his life due to severe injuries he sustained in a knife attack a few days ago on Mannheim's town square. The assailant repeatedly plunged the knife into his head. The target was an event featuring the Islam-critical group Pax Europa, as per the ongoing investigation, resulting in injuries to six individuals.
At the same time, the parliamentarians kept in their thoughts the firefighter who perished in a flood rescue operation in southern Germany. The Parliament President continued, "The thoughts of the parliamentarians are also with those individuals in the flooded regions who worry about their homes or loved ones."
The 42-year-old firefighter passed away in Pfaffenhofen while assisting a family during a rescue operation. Tragedy struck when the boat he was in capsized.
Read also:
In honor of the fallen police officer, a minute of silence was observed in the Thuringian Parliament, situated in Erfurt. Germany's operational force was deeply affected by this tragedy, as the officer was serving his duty in Mannheim. The assassination, inspired by extremist Islamic beliefs, targeted an event promoting freedom of assembly, a cornerstone of German democracy.
The Parliament President, Birgit Pommer, emphasized the importance of unity against aggression and hostility, expressing sympathy for the families affected by the knife attack and the flood rescue operation fatality in Thuringia and southern Germany, respectively.
Germany's law enforcers and rescue services remain an indispensable part of our society, protecting our rights and ensuring public safety. It is crucial to remember that democracy thrives only when citizens support their democratic institutions.
As we remember the fallen, we must also enact meaningful measures to combat extremism and ensure the safety of all individuals in Germany, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations.
