A German law enforcement officer lost his life succumbing to grievous wounds inflicted by a knife assault that simultaneously injured five other individuals in Mannheim’s central plaza, as stated by authorities on Sunday. The officer, aged 29, fell victim to multiple stab injuries on his head and neck inflicted by an Afghan immigrant, 25, following which he was instantly summoned for emergency surgical intervention after the occurrence on Friday. Despite being put into a medically induced coma, he tragically passed away on Sunday.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz sent out a message on X, which used to be called Twitter, expressing his profound sorrow and paying tribute to the dedicated officer who deserved the utmost commendation for his commitment to ensure public safety.
Adding to this, around 24 of the officer’s fellow members held a memorial for him, doffing their headgear at the assault scene on Sunday.
The alleged attacker was incapacitated by gunshots from a different officer and is still receiving medical treatment at a hospital, being detained under suspicion of having attempted murder, as per a judge’s order. The police and legal prosecutors have yet to disclose the motive for the assault, citing the suspect is not medically fit for interrogation.
This incident was set in the backdrop of an event organised by Pax Europa, an entity that educates people about the risks associated with the growing prevalence and political sway of Islam. Amongst the victims was Michael Sturzenberger, a 59-year-old vocal anti-Islamist campaigner who is a key member of the group and a frequent speaker at their gatherings.
The remaining casualties comprised of men aged 25, 36, 42, and 54. The 54-year-old man’s injuries initially put him in a precarious condition, however, his condition has now stabilised.