Police officer dies after stabbing at anti-Islam event in Mannheim

A German police officer died two days after being stabbed during an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim, western Germany, authorities said on Sunday, as police responded to protests following the shooting. 'attack.

The Karlsruhe public prosecutor's office, the Mannheim police headquarters and the Baden-Württemberg state judicial police said the police officer underwent emergency surgery immediately after the attack and was placed in an induced coma, but that he had succumbed to his serious injuries on Sunday afternoon. .

“We mourn the loss of a police officer who gave his life for our safety,” they said.

“This news deeply upsets me,” said Baden-Württemberg Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann, adding that his thoughts were with the man's family, relatives and colleagues. “This terrible act is a painful reminder of the often incalculable risks to which police officers are exposed on a daily basis.”

Thomas Stroblthe state's interior minister said: “These are times when the world seems to stand still. The entire Baden-Württemberg police force will always honor his memory.”

The attack occurred on Friday morning during an event organized by the Pax Europa movement, and five other people were also injured.

The movement's treasurer, Stefanie Kizina, said the attack specifically targeted Pax Europa board member Michael Stürzenberger, who was seriously injured.

Stürzenberger “will certainly continue” her work with the organization, she said.

The motives of the 25-year-old attacker, born in Afghanistan and unknown to the police, are still unclear. He underwent surgery after being shot during his capture, according to police.

The man, who lives in the western German state of Hesse and is married with two children, has been charged with attempted murder.

Meanwhile, violent scenes took place in Mannheim on Sunday as police responded to two protests held in the wake of the attacks.

Activists formed a human chain during a vigil organized by a non-partisan alliance under the slogan: “Solidarity against violence, hatred and agitation.”

The vigil, supported by various political parties represented in the city council, emerged in response to a rally planned by the youth wing of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the state of Baden-Württemberg.

The slogan of the youth protest was: “Remigration would have prevented this crime!” » The concept of remigration – involving the expulsion of large numbers of people of foreign origin – has been widely criticized across Germany.

Videos from the square showed clashes between police and a group of Antifa activists, who set off fireworks. The slogan “Nazis out” was also chanted by the demonstrators.