By The Smartencyclopedia Staff Writer with Agencies
BERLIN, Germany — A 29-year-old police officer has died after being repeatedly stabbed during an attack at an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim, southwest Germany. The incident occurred on Friday at a market square, where a man wielding a knife attacked several people, resulting in significant injuries.
The attack took place during a rally organized by Pax Europa, a campaign group opposing radical Islam. Among the injured were five participants, including prominent far-right activist and blogger Michael Stuerzenberger. Stuerzenberger, who was scheduled to speak at the rally, suffered severe stab wounds to his face and leg.
Other victims included four men aged 25, 36, 42, and 54. The 54-year-old initially faced life-threatening injuries but is now reported to be out of danger.
The police officer, attempting to intervene, was “stabbed several times in the area of the head,” according to a local police statement. Following the attack, he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an artificial coma but succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his sorrow over the officer’s death, describing the event as a “terrible attack” and praising the officer’s dedication to public safety. “His commitment to the safety of all of us deserves the highest recognition,” Scholz said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of combating Islamist terrorism if it is confirmed that the motive behind the attack was Islamist in nature. “Our security authorities have the Islamist scene firmly in their sights,” she stated, reinforcing the need for determination in fighting Islamist terrorism.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner also pledged increased financial support for security authorities. “We must defend ourselves against Islamist terrorism with determination, and we will also strengthen the security authorities financially,” he told German daily Bild.
Germany remains on high alert for potential Islamist attacks, heightened by the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The country’s domestic intelligence chief has warned of an increased risk of such attacks, which is currently higher than it has been in recent times.
Additionally, there have been numerous attacks on politicians in Germany, coinciding with the European Union elections set for June 9. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has voiced concern over the rising trend of violence against political figures, urging Germans to resist normalizing violence in political discourse.
The tragic death of the police officer underscores the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by security forces in maintaining public safety amid rising tensions and threats.