A KNIFE has been shot and reportedly killed by police after a stabbing at an anti-Islam rally in southwest Germany
One of his victims, German far-right firefighter Michael Stürzenberger, is reportedly undergoing surgery for stab wounds to his leg and face.
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The attacker appears to stab the officer in the back and side
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Knife attacker shoots man allegedly participating in anti-Islamic rally Credit: YouTube
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Blood flows from a hole in the victim’s jeans Credit: YouTube
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Policeman shoots gunman after stabbing officer in backCredit: YOUTUBE
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Right-wing activist Michael Stuerzenberger undergoes surgery after being stabbed in the leg and faceCredit: Getty
The horrific ordeal took place at a rally in Mannheim for the BPE political group, known for its anti-Islamic views, and was broadcast live to thousands on YouTube on Friday morning.
The video shows the moment when the assailant also stabbed the policeman with a knife – and at least one other person was injured in the rampage.
Islamic critic Michael Stürzenberger (59) was participating in a rally organized by the German anti-jihad group “Citizen Movement PAX Europa” when he was attacked and “seriously” injured.
Shocking footage shows a bearded man armed with a large knife lunging at Stürzenberger before both men collapsed on the floor.
Read more about ‘terrorist attacks’
The rampaging attacker stabbed Stürzenberger several times in the face, neck and chest area with a knife.
Other men dressed in blue, who also appeared to be part of the rally, tried to drag the attacker away from his victim.
Stürzenberger appears to have been stabbed in the leg and face.
Blood seeped from a hole in his jeans and dripped near his eyes.
The officer stumbled in the chaos and crouched as the assailant rushed towards him and stabbed him in the back and side.
Another officer pointed his gun at the attacker, who fell to the ground when a shot rang out in the Mannheim market.
Woman stabbed outside busy primary school screams ‘help me, I’m losing blood’ after man ‘chases her down the street’
The knifeman turned onto his back, lay still and died, reports Bild.
Police have yet to confirm whether the attacker died after being shot.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Friday afternoon: “The investigation will clarify the background of this crime.
“If the investigation reveals an Islamist motive, then it would be an additional confirmation of the great danger posed by the Islamist violent acts we warned about.”
Stefanie Kizina, treasurer of the BPE group, previously told Bild: “This was not an attack, but an act of terrorism.
“The attack happened before the event even started, it must have been planned well in advance.”
The attacker is believed to have specifically targeted Stürzenberger, a far-right activist and leader of Germany’s Freedom Party from 2013 to 2016.
Ms Kizina said on Friday afternoon that Stürzenberger had been stabbed in the leg and face and was undergoing emergency surgery.
She added: “His life is clearly not in danger. This is the second serious attack on him.”
Stürzenberger was allegedly punched in the face by a Muslim person in Bonn in 2022.
This was not an attack, but an act of terrorism
Stefanie KizinaBPE treasurer
The Mannheim police said: “According to current information, an attack on several people took place today around 11:35 a.m. at the market in Mannheim.
“It is said that one person attacked several people with a knife and injured them, and there is still no information on the degree and severity of the injuries.
“A firearm was then used against the assailant. In the process, the assailant also sustained injuries.”
The police adds: “Rescue and emergency services as well as the rescue helicopter are in action. There is no danger for citizens.
“Rail traffic between Kurpfalzkreisel and Paradeplatz is closed until further notice.”
The YouTube video is now unavailable for public viewing.
A few minutes after the “deadly” attack, forensics, masked special forces and state criminal police officers arrived at the scene.
Terrorist threat ‘acute’ across Europe
By Jessica Baker
The threat of terrorism to Europe’s security is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency warns.
Europol said the biggest concern for EU countries was “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters traveling from conflict zones.
Some fear that the terrorist group ISIS may try to use the conflict in the Middle East to launch new attacks across Europe.
According to the Dutch intelligence agency AIVD, police have prevented ten jihadist attacks in Europe in the last 12 months alone.
The agency claimed that the planned and intercepted attacks included knife attacks at large events and attacks on specific groups and locations.
Israel’s spy agency, meanwhile, alleged Iranian terrorist cells are planning attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The Olympics chief promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is a priority” to ensure the safety of the expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.
Islam critic Stürzenberger is a former media spokesman for the Munich CSU, an outspoken critic of Islam and a member of the Pax Europa organization, according to the civil movement’s website.
Pax Europa said today: “Terrible news from Mannheim.
“At today’s meeting of the civil movement Pax Europa in Mannheim, Michael Stürzenberger, several BPE supporters and a police officer were stabbed by an attacker around 11:30 am.
The bearded man was quickly overpowered by the police. The victims suffered serious stab wounds.
Stürzenberger was under surveillance by state officials from 2013 to 2022 for comparing Islam to fascism, and was convicted of inciting and disparaging religious teachings.
The far-right activist is also the author of an anti-Islamic blog, and in Germany she became famous for the citizens’ petition against the construction of a mosque in Munich.
Today’s brutal attack happened just two weeks before the start of the Euros and 50 miles south of Frankfurt – where England will play Denmark on June 20.
Police and security chiefs across Germany are on high terror alert amid threats to next month’s tournament from Islamist, far-right and pro-Russian factions.
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The knifeman is seen in the distance standing over the man and holding a long blade Credit: YouTube
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One of at least three victims appears terrified as she backs away from her attacker Credit: YouTube
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education