Tragedy struck at an anti-Islam rally in Germany as a 29-year-old police officer lost his life after being stabbed repeatedly during the event. The attack took place on Friday at the market square in Mannheim, a city in southwest Germany.
The rally, organized by Pax Europa, a group campaigning against radical Islam, turned violent when a knife-wielding assailant targeted participants, injuring five people. The officer intervened in an attempt to restore order but was viciously attacked, sustaining multiple stab wounds to the head.
Despite undergoing emergency surgery and being placed in an artificial coma, the officer succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, as confirmed by local police.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death, praising his dedication to public safety. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the need to combat Islamist terrorism vigorously if the motive behind the attack is confirmed.
Germany has been on high alert for potential Islamist threats, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Authorities have intensified efforts to monitor the Islamist scene and bolster security measures.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening security agencies financially to counter the heightened risk of Islamist terrorism.
The attack adds to a series of concerning incidents, including assaults on politicians and heightened political tensions ahead of EU elections. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has voiced concerns over the escalation of violence, urging Germans to reject political violence and uphold democratic values.
