At least six people, including a police officer, were wounded in a lone wolf stabbing attack targeting members of Pax Europa in Mannheim on Friday.
What is Pax Europa?
Pax Europa is a right-wing, counter-Islam group based in Germany.
According to their website, the group “informs the public about the human rights violations caused by political Islam and about the existential threats to free democratic societies in Germany and Europe that arise from the increasing spread and influence of political Islam.”
What Happened
The attack took place at an information booth set up by Pax Europa in the market square of Mannheim at around 11:45 local time. The suspect, who remains unidentified, began stabbing several members of Pax Europa, including Michael Stürzenberger, a prominent counter-Islam activist who regularly speaks at Pax Europa events.
Footage of the attack shows the suspect stabbing several individuals before being shot and subdued by police officers after attacking another police officer.
Terrible attaque au couteau par un islamiste à Mannheim, en Allemagne, contre un militant anti-islamisation. Un policier blessé. Ça continue ! pic.twitter.com/nNPIQpKTtZ
— Gilbert Collard (@GilbertCollard) May 31, 2024
Reactions
- German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser: Described the attack as a “terrible crime” and expressed hopes for the recovery of the victims. She emphasized the potential Islamist motive as a significant threat.
- “The knife attack in Mannheim is a terrible crime. The images of the crime are shocking. I hope the victims make a full recovery. My thoughts are also with the seriously injured police officer. My thanks go to the police and rescue services.”
- “If the investigation reveals an Islamist motive, then that would be further confirmation of the great danger posed by Islamist acts of violence that we have warned about.”
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: Condemned the violence and stressed that it is unacceptable in a democratic society. He called for severe punishment for the perpetrator.
- “The images from Mannheim are terrible. Several people were seriously injured by an attacker. My thoughts are with the victims. Violence is absolutely unacceptable in our democracy. The perpetrator must be severely punished.”
What’s Next
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into the motive behind the attack. Further updates on the conditions of the victims and the identity of the suspect are awaited.