Police officer injured in Mannheim stabbing dies
A police officer who was critically injured in a mass stabbing in the German city of Mannheim on Friday has passed away, according to local authorities.
The 29-year-old officer was among six individuals, including anti-Islam activist Michael Stürzenberger, who were harmed by the assailant and apprehended at the scene.
The officer sustained multiple stab wounds to the head. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon.
“This tragic news has deeply affected me,” stated the leader of Baden-Württemberg, the state where Mannheim is situated.
Winfried Kretschmann continued, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Reflecting on the incident, Kretschmann emphasized the unpredictable dangers faced by police officers daily, expressing solidarity with law enforcement across Baden-Württemberg in their sorrow.
Earlier on Sunday, around 800 people formed a human chain on the square where the attack took place. They aimed to send a message against “violence, hatred and agitation,” organisers of the vigil said.
The attack took place at the same time as a rally in the market square hosted by Mr Stürzenberger, a far-right activist. Part of it was livestreamed on YouTube.
The alleged attacker, believed to be a 25-year-old Afghan who arrived in Germany in 2014, was shot and injured at the scene.
His alleged motive remains unclear, according to police.
