Title: Man stabs several at ‘anti-Islam’ event in Germany captured on live stream
Knife-wielding attacker injures multiple at anti-Islam protest in Mannheim, Germany; police apprehend assailant after firing gunshots.
Police apprehended a knife-wielding assailant who harmed multiple individuals in a square in Mannheim, southwest Germany on Friday. Officers discharged their weapons at the perpetrator, who also sustained injuries.
The incident took place around 11:30 am (local time) during a gathering arranged by the Citizens’ Movement Pax Europa, characterized as “anti-Islamization”.
Mannheim police reported a significant operation at the market square, with a rescue helicopter and halted tram services.
“A weapon was deployed against the assailant,” Mannheim police stated in a release.
Authorities reassured the public that there was no more danger, although the reason behind the assault remains undisclosed.
Germany knife attack video becomes viral
A live broadcast from the scene captures civilians trying to restrain the assailant, who also stabbed a police officer. Eventually, another officer shot the suspect while he was struggling with another individual.
Was anti-Islam activist targeted?
A live stream depicted anti-Islam activist Michael Stuerzenberger preparing to speak to a small audience. The video bore a watermark linked to Stuerzenberger’s “Open Eyes” anti-Islam tour.
His group Pax Europa stated that Stuerzenberger was among those wounded, as per Deutsche Welle.
Nevertheless, authorities mentioned they couldn’t yet provide information regarding any injuries among the protesters in the square.
Stürzenberger, who identifies as an Islam-critical journalist, has been affiliated with far-right anti-Islam groups, including the PEGIDA movement.
European Parliament campaign approaches its conclusion
The attack occurred at Marktplatz, situated in Mannheim’s city center. The municipality, with a populace of approximately 300,000, is positioned south of Frankfurt.
The occurrence transpires as the European Parliament campaign approaches its conclusion and elections are slated for a week from now, during which the far-right Alternative for Germany party has emphasized in its campaign the purported danger linked with migration from Muslim-majority countries.