Michael Stürzenberger, a well-known critic of Islam, was seriously injured in a knife attack during a political event in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. A policeman, who tried to immobilize the Afghan assailant, is in critical condition after being stabbed in the neck and back. Four others at the scene were slightly injured, and the perpetrator was shot by police. The chancellor and the political world expressed shock.

During the Pax Europa event, a bearded man with glasses attacked Stürzenberger, wounding him in the leg and face. Stürzenberger, who has been attacked before, is undergoing surgery. Police forces present at the scene intervened within seconds. Initially, a private security guard tried to stop the assailant, but it took four police officers to subdue him, with one officer being stabbed twice before the attacker was finally shot.

Several individuals were injured in a stabbing during a YouTube livestream in Mannheim, Germany. The attack, which occurred this morning, was broadcast live, showing the assailant dragging a man to the ground while wielding a knife. Bystanders quickly intervened to assist the… pic.twitter.com/FzMpN6x3z2

— Huginn and Muninn Intelligence (@HM_Int3lligence) May 31, 2024

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, calling for severe punishment for the perpetrator. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed sympathy for the injured and praised the prompt response of police and medical teams. She emphasized the need to investigate the motives behind the attack, particularly if an Islamist motive is confirmed, highlighting the threat of Islamist violence.

The attack is part of a troubling trend of violent assaults on politicians. The government is concerned and held an emergency meeting to discuss additional security measures ahead of the June 9 European elections. The police have noted their struggle with limited personnel to secure all political events.