A 25-year-old man born in Afghanistan has been ordered held on suspicion of attempted murder following a knife attack at an event organized by a group opposing 'political Islam' in Mannheim, Germany. The attack left six people injured, including a police officer who remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed while trying to intervene.
The motive for the attack, which took place on a central square in Mannheim, remains unknown. The suspect, who has lived in Germany since 2014, is married and has two children. His apartment in Heppenheim was searched, and digital devices were recovered for evaluation.
The suspect, who was shot and wounded by police, is currently hospitalized and not in a condition to be questioned. He has no prior police record, and officials have not disclosed his citizenship or immigration status.
The group targeted, Pax Europa, aims to inform the public about the dangers of the 'increasing spread and influence of political Islam.' Among the wounded was Michael Stürzenberger, an anti-Islamist activist and prominent figure in the group, who shared images from his hospital bed showing injuries sustained during the attack.
Five other men, aged 25, 36, 42, and 54, were also injured in the incident. One victim has been released from the hospital, while the others are still receiving treatment. The 54-year-old man initially faced life-threatening injuries but is now out of danger.