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2024 Mannheim stabbing: Difference between revisions

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Undid revision 1227650604 by 2003:C6:373C:F1EF:5099:D27:9B2D:4E98 (talk) Jesus Christ, cut it out with the yapping! A lot of the details you're adding are superfluous and just clutter the article. You're not even citing sources right! We have templates, y'know?
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==Stabbing==
==Stabbing==
As many times<ref>"Seit 2018 haben wir 135 öffentliche Kundgebungen zur Aufklärung über den Politischen Islam durchgeführt." Bürgerbewegung PAX Europa e.V. on Facebook, 6-6-2024 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02nPzFLse7gdgTcCmQM3istWD2DZSZfw3mue1sAKz3Qa1CDxZSbcza9QCVu5sT9JNDl&id=100064497230072</ref> before in Germany, BPE set up a small rally with an information stand in Mannheim's market square under the motto "Education about [[Political Islam]]"<ref>"Tour-Kundgebung Aufklärung über den Politischen Islam" - https://paxeuropa-bpe.de/veranstaltungen/kundgebung-mannheim/ Straight from the horse's mouth! Really hard to find? "Citation needed date=June 2024 reason=Found no sources indicating the rally had a motto like this; folks seems so insistent on keeping it though, so I'm probably just not looking in the right places."</ref> where Michael Stürzenberger was supposed to give a speech that includes dialogue with bystanders.
The attack occurred at a BPE-held rally in Mannheim's market square under the motto "Education about [[Political Islam]]"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kundgebung - Mannheim |trans-title=Rally - Mannheim |url=https://paxeuropa-bpe.de/veranstaltungen/kundgebung-mannheim/ |access-date=6 June 2024 |website=Bürgerbewegung PAX EUROPA e.V. |language=de-DE}}</ref> where Michael Stürzenberger was supposed to give a speech. Stürzenberger had made controversial statements at past rallies, such as advocating for "re-education camps" based on [[Xinjiang internment camps]] and comparing the [[Quran]] to ''[[Mein Kampf]]''.<ref name=":0" />


The stabbing started at around 11:30am, while Stürzenberger prepared for the upcoming event. A third party happened to be livestreaming on [[YouTube]] at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burrell |first=Miriam |last2=Quadri |first2=Sami |date=31 May 2024 |title=Knifeman stabs at least two people in Germany on YouTube livestream |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/germany-marktplatz-mannheim-stabbing-youtube-livestream-b1161303.html |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=The Evening Standard}}</ref> Footage from the event showed the suspect watching the scene for some time, before suddenly ambushing Stürzenberger when he was on his own. Two nearby BPE supporters were also stabbed when they attempted to intervene.
The stabbing started at around 11:30am, while Stürzenberger prepared for the upcoming event. A third party happened to be livestreaming on [[YouTube]] at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burrell |first=Miriam |last2=Quadri |first2=Sami |date=31 May 2024 |title=Knifeman stabs at least two people in Germany on YouTube livestream |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/germany-marktplatz-mannheim-stabbing-youtube-livestream-b1161303.html |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=The Evening Standard}}</ref> Footage from the event showed the suspect watching the scene for some time, before suddenly ambushing Stürzenberger when he was on his own. Two nearby BPE supporters were also stabbed when they attempted to intervene.


The attacker went after Stürzenberger again. After wrestling Stürzenberger to the ground and stabbing him several times, the suspect was grappled by bystanders, including a 34-year-old Iraqi man<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 June 2024 |title=MANNHEIM: 'Ich habe ihn festgehalten!' Er ging dazwischen - dann stach der Mörder auch auf ihn ein! |trans-title=MANNHEIM: "I held him!" He intervened - then the murderer stabbed him too! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bj2NkRLzwc |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=Die Welt |language=de |via=YouTube}}</ref> who managed to hold the knife-wielding arm while subdueing the Afghan with his legs. Also, the masked BPE-member used both hands to hold the arm. Another person, dressed in blue, mistakenly attacked the visible Iraqi with fist blows, not the Afghan partially hidden below him. As a result, the Iraqi was shocked and let him go. During the process, many persons kept yelling "(throw) the knife away!"
The attacker went after Stürzenberger again, wrestling him to the ground and stabbing him several times, before being quickly grappled and dragged away by bystanders, including a 34-year-old [[Refugees of Iraq|Iraqi man]]. Another person, dressed in blue, mistakenly punched the Iraqi, resulting in him loosening his grip and the attacker breaking loose, stabbing those trying to subdue him.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 June 2024 |title=MANNHEIM: 'Ich habe ihn festgehalten!' Er ging dazwischen - dann stach der Mörder auch auf ihn ein! |trans-title=MANNHEIM: "I held him!" He intervened - then the murderer stabbed him too! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bj2NkRLzwc |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=Die Welt |language=de |via=YouTube}}</ref> During the process, many people kept yelling "(throw) the knife away!"


The Afghan then broke loose, first injured the arm of the masked BPE-member while stabbing upwards, then got up and cut the back of the Iraqi. At this time, the eventually killed police man was on the ground next to the man in blue, seemingly looked at the attacker for a moment, and turned away to control the man in blue who was flat on his back. The Afghan, initially on the right side of the policeman who was kneeling, had time to move around to his left side, stabbing first on the right side of the neck, then directly into the neck from the left. Another police officer had drawn his gun but the person that shot a second video was in the line of fire. After moving sideways he non-fatally shot the attacker down.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 June 2024 |title=Mannheim knife attack: Policeman, anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/mannheim-knife-attack-policeman-antiislam-activist-injured-in-stabbing/news-story/86570a886355beb3d90055008f2a82c0 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=news.com.au}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Fowler |first=Sarah |date=31 May 2024 |title=Mannheim knife attack: Anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckmm4lgm0l4o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531131201/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckmm4lgm0l4o |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Germany knife attack: Man shot after stabbing police officer in frenzied attack at far-right event in Mannheim |url=https://news.sky.com/story/major-police-operation-in-german-city-of-mannheim-following-reports-of-knife-attack-13146007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531115509/https://news.sky.com/story/major-police-operation-in-german-city-of-mannheim-following-reports-of-knife-attack-13146007 |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Sky News}}</ref>
A police officer, identified as 29-year-old Rouven L.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Tiede |first=Peter |date=2 June 2024 |title=Rouven L. starb für uns |trans-title=Rouven L. died for us |url=https://www.bild.de/politik/meinung-kommentare-kolumnen/der-helden-polizist-von-mannheim-rouven-l-starb-fuer-uns-665c46e6c34cbc2d431bfa56 |website=Bild |publisher= |language=de}}</ref>, wrestled the man in blue to the ground, allowing the attacker to run up and stab him in the neck.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 June 2024 |title=Mannheim knife attack: Policeman, anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/mannheim-knife-attack-policeman-antiislam-activist-injured-in-stabbing/news-story/86570a886355beb3d90055008f2a82c0 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=news.com.au}}</ref> Another police officer then non-fatally shot the attacker down.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Fowler |first=Sarah |date=31 May 2024 |title=Mannheim knife attack: Anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckmm4lgm0l4o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531131201/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckmm4lgm0l4o |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Germany knife attack: Man shot after stabbing police officer in frenzied attack at far-right event in Mannheim |url=https://news.sky.com/story/major-police-operation-in-german-city-of-mannheim-following-reports-of-knife-attack-13146007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531115509/https://news.sky.com/story/major-police-operation-in-german-city-of-mannheim-following-reports-of-knife-attack-13146007 |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Sky News}}</ref>


For about eight minutes, police officers and BPE members provided first aid to victims. Also, the two bystanders were pinned down for some time by officers. Rescue and emergency services were deployed to the scene.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noryskiewicz |first=Anna |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Video shows anti-Islam activist among those stabbed in Germany knife attack |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-knife-stabbing-attack-mannheim-video-anti-islam-activist-michael-sturzenberger/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=CBS News |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531131056/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-knife-stabbing-attack-mannheim-video-anti-islam-activist-michael-sturzenberger/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
For about eight minutes, police officers and BPE members provided first aid to victims. Also, the two bystanders were pinned down for some time by officers.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} Stürzenberger was stabbed in the face, chest, and thigh.<ref name=":3" /> Rescue and emergency services, including a [[MEDIVAC]] helicopter, were deployed to the scene.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noryskiewicz |first=Anna |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Video shows anti-Islam activist among those stabbed in Germany knife attack |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-knife-stabbing-attack-mannheim-video-anti-islam-activist-michael-sturzenberger/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=CBS News |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531131056/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-knife-stabbing-attack-mannheim-video-anti-islam-activist-michael-sturzenberger/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rouven was placed in an [[induced coma]]<ref>{{cite web |date=1 June 2024 |title=Mannheim knife attack: Police officer in serious condition |url=https://www.dw.com/en/mannheim-knife-attack-police-officer-in-serious-condition/a-69239722 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601133611/https://www.dw.com/en/mannheim-knife-attack-police-officer-in-serious-condition/a-69239722 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=DW |publisher=}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=1 June 2024 |title=Stürzenberger meldet sich nach Ärztevisite aus Klinik: "War richtig knapp gestern" |trans-title=Stürzenberger reports from clinic after doctor's visit: “It was really close yesterday” |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/in-mannheim-messerattacke-auf-bekannten-islamkritiker-polizei-schiesst-angreifer-nieder_id_259994206.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601153542/https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/in-mannheim-messerattacke-auf-bekannten-islamkritiker-polizei-schiesst-angreifer-nieder_id_259994206.html |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |work=Focus |language=de}}</ref> and underwent emergency surgery,<ref>{{Cite web |title=German police officer dies of wounds suffered in knife attack |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-mannheim-stabbing-police-officer-death-a66c14970a53464aff0c1c77a7196481 |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> but succumbed to his injuries two days after the stabbing.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-02 |title=Mannheim: Polizist stirbt nach Messerangriff auf Marktplatz |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/mannheim-polizist-stirbt-nach-messerangriff-auf-marktplatz-a-0aaf9ca6-c6db-4133-83b9-1f5fa6bead35 |access-date=2024-06-02 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2024 |title=German police officer injured in Mannheim knife attack dies |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-police-officer-injured-in-mannheim-knife-attack-dies/a-69246626 |website=DW}}</ref>


== Victims ==
== Victims ==
According to ''[[Der Spiegel (website)|Der Spiegel]]'', the authorities assumed a total of seven people were injured, including the attacker and the police officer.<ref name=":0" /> The nationalities and ages of all five injured civilians were shared by police in a press report; three were German citizens, one was a German Kazakh, and one was an Iraqi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-01 |title=POL-MA: Gemeinsame Pressemitteilung der Staatsanwaltschaft Karlsruhe, des Präsidiums Mannheim und des LKA - Haftbefehlserlass nach Messerangriff auf dem Mannheimer Marktplatz am 31. Mai 2024 |trans-title=POL-MA: Joint press release from the Karlsruhe Public Prosecutor's Office, the Mannheim Presidium and the LKA - Arrest warrant issued following knife attack on Mannheim's market square on May 31, 2024 |url=https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/14915/5791687 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=presseportal.de |language=de}}</ref>
[[File:Marktplatzbrunnen Mannheim 2012.jpg|thumb|Marktplatz square well, site of the initial attack]]

The injured police officer, 29-year-old Rouven Laur, was seen standing up, then was told to sit down. Later, he was placed in an [[induced coma]].<ref>{{cite web |date=1 June 2024 |title=Mannheim knife attack: Police officer in serious condition |url=https://www.dw.com/en/mannheim-knife-attack-police-officer-in-serious-condition/a-69239722 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601133611/https://www.dw.com/en/mannheim-knife-attack-police-officer-in-serious-condition/a-69239722 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=DW |publisher=}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=1 June 2024 |title=Stürzenberger meldet sich nach Ärztevisite aus Klinik: "War richtig knapp gestern" |trans-title=Stürzenberger reports from clinic after doctor's visit: “It was really close yesterday” |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/in-mannheim-messerattacke-auf-bekannten-islamkritiker-polizei-schiesst-angreifer-nieder_id_259994206.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601153542/https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/in-mannheim-messerattacke-auf-bekannten-islamkritiker-polizei-schiesst-angreifer-nieder_id_259994206.html |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |work=Focus |language=de}}</ref> He underwent emergency surgery,<ref>{{Cite web |title=German police officer dies of wounds suffered in knife attack |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-mannheim-stabbing-police-officer-death-a66c14970a53464aff0c1c77a7196481 |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> but succumbed to his injuries two days after the stabbing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-02 |title=Mannheim: Polizist stirbt nach Messerangriff auf Marktplatz |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/mannheim-polizist-stirbt-nach-messerangriff-auf-marktplatz-a-0aaf9ca6-c6db-4133-83b9-1f5fa6bead35 |access-date=2024-06-02 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-police-officer-injured-in-mannheim-knife-attack-dies/a-69246626 |title=German police officer injured in Mannheim knife attack dies |publisher=DW |date=2 June 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tiede |first=Peter |url=https://www.bild.de/politik/meinung-kommentare-kolumnen/der-helden-polizist-von-mannheim-rouven-l-starb-fuer-uns-665c46e6c34cbc2d431bfa56 |title=Rouven L. starb für uns |publisher=Bild |language=de |date=2 June 2024 }}</ref>

[[University Hospital Mannheim]] is about two miles away from Marktplatz square, across the river, Theresienkrankenhaus and St. Hedwig-Klinik Mannheim are on the near side. Early police reports<ref>https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/14915/5791687</ref> listed five men at the age of 25, 36, 42, 54 and 59 as injured by the attacker, plus the police officer. Three of them German citizens, one German Kazak, one Iraqi. Stürzenberger is 59, he was stabbed in the face, chest, and through the left thigh. He later mentioned in web broadcasts the first names of his three supporters and their injuries. 25-year-old M. wore a cap, his leg was injured first, he is seen in the video getting treatment. An older, bald man called K. got stabbed in his body, then disappeared, contact being only established days later from the hospital. The third BPE member P. wore a mask to remain anonymous at the event, got injuries in his arm, also seen in the video getting treatment. This meant that a 34-year-old Iraqi must have been injured too; a few days later, he was interviewed on [[Welt (TV channel)|Welt TV]]. <ref>https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/video251878404/Iraker-wollte-Mannheimer-Messer-Attentaeter-noch-aufhalten-Ich-habe-gesagt-hilf-mir-Gott.html?icid=search.product.onsitesearch</ref>


== Suspect ==
== Suspect ==
The main suspect in the stabbing was identified as a 25-year-old [[Afghan refugees|Afghan refugee]] named Sulaiman Ataee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Treza Albuquerque |first=Jenel |date=3 June 2024 |title=Mannheim, Germany Stabbing Suspect: What We Know So Far |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/europe/mannheim-germany-stabbing-suspect-what-we-know-so-far-article-110645409 |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=Times Now World}}</ref> He was a former resident of [[Herat]], and moved to Germany in 2013–14. He lived in [[Heppenheim]] at the time of the attack, around 30&nbsp;km from Mannheim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Mehrere Verletzte nach Messerangriff |trans-title=Several injured after knife attack |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/polizeieinsatz-auf-dem-mannheimer-marktplatz-100.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Tagesschau |language=de |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531115001/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/polizeieinsatz-auf-dem-mannheimer-marktplatz-100.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Messerattacke auf Mannheimer Marktplatz: Angreifer verletzt sechs Menschen |trans-title=Knife attack on Mannheim market square: Attacker injures six people |url=https://www.mannheimer-morgen.de/orte/mannheim/innenstadt-jungbusch_artikel,-innenstadt-jungbusch-messerattacke-auf-mannheimer-marktplatz-angreifer-verletzt-sechs-menschen-_arid,2211214.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Mannheimer Morgan |language=de |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531152947/https://www.mannheimer-morgen.de/orte/mannheim/innenstadt-jungbusch_artikel,-innenstadt-jungbusch-messerattacke-auf-mannheimer-marktplatz-angreifer-verletzt-sechs-menschen-_arid,2211214.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He reportedly had a valid [[residence permit]], was married, and had two children.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bild.de/regional/baden-wuerttemberg/messer-angreifer-von-mannheim-er-wohnte-im-9-stock-mit-frau-und-kindern-665b0ba72486be2de7ea7629 |title=Messer-Angreifer von Mannheim: Attentäter wohnte im 9. Stock mit Frau und Kindern|publisher=Bild |language=de |date=1 June 2024 }}</ref> German authorities had not flagged him as an extremist prior to the attack.<ref name=":1" /> According to ''[[Der Spiegel]]'', investigators believe that he had [[Islamist]] motives, although such claims have not been fully confirmed yet.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Ermittler halten islamistisches Motiv für wahrscheinlich |trans-title=Investigators believe Islamist motive is likely |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/mannheim-ermittler-halten-islamistisches-motiv-fuer-wahrscheinlich-a-025a18eb-e1a5-4313-8f19-bed4538f2d52 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531172053/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/mannheim-ermittler-halten-islamistisches-motiv-fuer-wahrscheinlich-a-025a18eb-e1a5-4313-8f19-bed4538f2d52 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Baden-Württemberg]] State Office of Criminal Investigation announced that he was given an arrest warrant for attempted murder, and his apartment was searched.<ref name=":4" />
The main suspect in the stabbing was identified as a 25-year-old [[Afghan refugees|Afghan refugee]] named Sulaiman Ataee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Treza Albuquerque |first=Jenel |date=3 June 2024 |title=Mannheim, Germany Stabbing Suspect: What We Know So Far |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/europe/mannheim-germany-stabbing-suspect-what-we-know-so-far-article-110645409 |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=Times Now World}}</ref> He was a former resident of [[Herat]], and moved to Germany in 2013–14. He lived in [[Heppenheim]] at the time of the attack, around 30&nbsp;km from Mannheim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Mehrere Verletzte nach Messerangriff |trans-title=Several injured after knife attack |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/polizeieinsatz-auf-dem-mannheimer-marktplatz-100.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Tagesschau |language=de |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531115001/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/polizeieinsatz-auf-dem-mannheimer-marktplatz-100.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Messerattacke auf Mannheimer Marktplatz: Angreifer verletzt sechs Menschen |trans-title=Knife attack on Mannheim market square: Attacker injures six people |url=https://www.mannheimer-morgen.de/orte/mannheim/innenstadt-jungbusch_artikel,-innenstadt-jungbusch-messerattacke-auf-mannheimer-marktplatz-angreifer-verletzt-sechs-menschen-_arid,2211214.html |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Mannheimer Morgan |language=de |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531152947/https://www.mannheimer-morgen.de/orte/mannheim/innenstadt-jungbusch_artikel,-innenstadt-jungbusch-messerattacke-auf-mannheimer-marktplatz-angreifer-verletzt-sechs-menschen-_arid,2211214.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He reportedly had a valid [[residence permit]], was married, and had two children.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bild.de/regional/baden-wuerttemberg/messer-angreifer-von-mannheim-er-wohnte-im-9-stock-mit-frau-und-kindern-665b0ba72486be2de7ea7629 |title=Messer-Angreifer von Mannheim: Attentäter wohnte im 9. Stock mit Frau und Kindern|publisher=Bild |language=de |date=1 June 2024 }}</ref> German authorities had not flagged him as an extremist prior to the attack.<ref name=":1" /> According to ''Der Spiegel'', investigators believe that he had [[Islamist]] motives, although such claims have not been fully confirmed yet.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Ermittler halten islamistisches Motiv für wahrscheinlich |trans-title=Investigators believe Islamist motive is likely |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/mannheim-ermittler-halten-islamistisches-motiv-fuer-wahrscheinlich-a-025a18eb-e1a5-4313-8f19-bed4538f2d52 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531172053/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/mannheim-ermittler-halten-islamistisches-motiv-fuer-wahrscheinlich-a-025a18eb-e1a5-4313-8f19-bed4538f2d52 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Baden-Württemberg]] State Office of Criminal Investigation announced that he was given an arrest warrant for attempted murder, and his apartment was searched.<ref name=":4" />


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
The event happened before the June 9 [[2024 European Parliament election]], held [[2024 European Parliament election in Germany|in Germany]] in connection with some regional and local elections.
The event happened before the [[2024 European Parliament election]], held [[2024 European Parliament election in Germany|in Germany]] in connection with some regional and local elections.


According to ''Der Spiegel'', the authorities assumed a total of seven people were injured.<ref name=":0" /> Stürzenberger underwent emergency surgery for non-life-threatening injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollauf |first=Franz |date=31 May 2024 |title=Police say several people have been hurt in a stabbing in the German city of Mannheim |url=https://www.krone.at/3398523 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Kronen Zeitung |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531234436/https://www.krone.at/3398523 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 June 2024, Stürzenberger posted on his [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] page that the chest stab wound narrowly missed his lungs while the thigh stab wound caused significant blood loss due to striking veins.<ref name=":4" />
Stürzenberger underwent emergency surgery for non-life-threatening injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollauf |first=Franz |date=31 May 2024 |title=Police say several people have been hurt in a stabbing in the German city of Mannheim |url=https://www.krone.at/3398523 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=Kronen Zeitung |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531234436/https://www.krone.at/3398523 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 June 2024, Stürzenberger posted on his [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] page that the chest stab wound narrowly missed his lungs while the thigh stab wound caused significant blood loss due to striking veins.<ref name=":4" />


Two days after the attack, a public statement released by the Mannheim Police Department and State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg mourned the death of the police officer who gave his life trying to control the situation and stop the violence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2024 |title=LKA-BW: Pressemitteilung der Staatsanwaltschaft Karlsruhe, des Präsidiums Mannheim und des LKA - Polizeibeamter erliegt den Verletzungen des Messerangriffs vom Mannheimer Marktplatz vom 31. Mai 2024 |trans-title=LKA-BW: Press release from the Karlsruhe Public Prosecutor's Office, the Mannheim Presidium and the LKA - Police officer succumbs to injuries from the knife attack on Mannheim's market square on May 31, 2024 |url=https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/110980/5792079 |access-date=2 June 2024 |website=Presseportal |language=de}}</ref>
Two days after the attack, a public statement released by the Mannheim Police Department and State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg mourned the death of the police officer who gave his life trying to control the situation and stop the violence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2024 |title=LKA-BW: Pressemitteilung der Staatsanwaltschaft Karlsruhe, des Präsidiums Mannheim und des LKA - Polizeibeamter erliegt den Verletzungen des Messerangriffs vom Mannheimer Marktplatz vom 31. Mai 2024 |trans-title=LKA-BW: Press release from the Karlsruhe Public Prosecutor's Office, the Mannheim Presidium and the LKA - Police officer succumbs to injuries from the knife attack on Mannheim's market square on May 31, 2024 |url=https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/110980/5792079 |access-date=2 June 2024 |website=Presseportal |language=de}}</ref>

Revision as of 01:27, 7 June 2024

2024 Mannheim stabbing
Map
Location of the Marktplatz square in Mannheim
LocationMannheim, Germany
Coordinates49°29′23″N 8°28′02″E / 49.4898°N 8.4672°E / 49.4898; 8.4672
Date31 May 2024
11:34am[1] (CEST; UTC+02:00)
Attack type
Mass stabbing
WeaponKnife
Deaths1
Injured6 (including the perpetrator)
AccusedSulaiman Ataee

On 31 May 2024 at 11:34am local time, in the market square in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a man, believed to be targeting notable activist and critic of Islam Michael Stürzenberger, ambushed and wounded several people at a rally hosted by the counter-jihad group Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE) with Stürzenberger as the main speaker. Six people were injured, including Stürzenberger; a police officer who was stabbed in the neck would succumb to his injuries two days later. The attack was stopped when the suspect was shot by another police officer.[2][3] The motive for the attack has not been fully confirmed yet, although investigators suspect Islamic terrorism.[4]

Stabbing

The attack occurred at a BPE-held rally in Mannheim's market square under the motto "Education about Political Islam"[5] where Michael Stürzenberger was supposed to give a speech. Stürzenberger had made controversial statements at past rallies, such as advocating for "re-education camps" based on Xinjiang internment camps and comparing the Quran to Mein Kampf.[3]

The stabbing started at around 11:30am, while Stürzenberger prepared for the upcoming event. A third party happened to be livestreaming on YouTube at the time.[6] Footage from the event showed the suspect watching the scene for some time, before suddenly ambushing Stürzenberger when he was on his own. Two nearby BPE supporters were also stabbed when they attempted to intervene.

The attacker went after Stürzenberger again, wrestling him to the ground and stabbing him several times, before being quickly grappled and dragged away by bystanders, including a 34-year-old Iraqi man. Another person, dressed in blue, mistakenly punched the Iraqi, resulting in him loosening his grip and the attacker breaking loose, stabbing those trying to subdue him.[7] During the process, many people kept yelling "(throw) the knife away!"

A police officer, identified as 29-year-old Rouven L.[8], wrestled the man in blue to the ground, allowing the attacker to run up and stab him in the neck.[9] Another police officer then non-fatally shot the attacker down.[10][11]

For about eight minutes, police officers and BPE members provided first aid to victims. Also, the two bystanders were pinned down for some time by officers.[citation needed] Stürzenberger was stabbed in the face, chest, and thigh.[10] Rescue and emergency services, including a MEDIVAC helicopter, were deployed to the scene.[12] Rouven was placed in an induced coma[13][14] and underwent emergency surgery,[15] but succumbed to his injuries two days after the stabbing.[8][16][17]

Victims

According to Der Spiegel, the authorities assumed a total of seven people were injured, including the attacker and the police officer.[3] The nationalities and ages of all five injured civilians were shared by police in a press report; three were German citizens, one was a German Kazakh, and one was an Iraqi.[18]

Suspect

The main suspect in the stabbing was identified as a 25-year-old Afghan refugee named Sulaiman Ataee.[19] He was a former resident of Herat, and moved to Germany in 2013–14. He lived in Heppenheim at the time of the attack, around 30 km from Mannheim.[20][21] He reportedly had a valid residence permit, was married, and had two children.[22] German authorities had not flagged him as an extremist prior to the attack.[4] According to Der Spiegel, investigators believe that he had Islamist motives, although such claims have not been fully confirmed yet.[4] The Baden-Württemberg State Office of Criminal Investigation announced that he was given an arrest warrant for attempted murder, and his apartment was searched.[14]

Aftermath

The event happened before the 2024 European Parliament election, held in Germany in connection with some regional and local elections.

Stürzenberger underwent emergency surgery for non-life-threatening injuries.[23] On 1 June 2024, Stürzenberger posted on his Telegram page that the chest stab wound narrowly missed his lungs while the thigh stab wound caused significant blood loss due to striking veins.[14]

Two days after the attack, a public statement released by the Mannheim Police Department and State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg mourned the death of the police officer who gave his life trying to control the situation and stop the violence.[24]

A public vigil was set up in the market square where the stabbing took place. At the same time, Young Alternative members set up an anti-immigration protest at the market square, which was met by counter-protesters that included members of Antifa organizations.[25]

Federal interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that it was up to investigators to determine a motive, adding that "if the investigation shows an Islamist motive, that would be another confirmation of the great danger from Islamist acts of violence that we have warned of."[26] German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X that the footage was "terrible", that such acts of violence were "absolutely unacceptable", and that "[t]he perpetrator must be severely punished".[27] He later stated that action was needed against extremist political violence from those who tried to restrict the democratic space for discussion, regardless of their political or religious orientation.[25]

North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul stated that stronger measures for controlling the possession and violent use of knives with greater focus on security policy, stronger punishments, and education about their dangers were required.[28]

Green Party politician Konstantin von Notz and FDP vice-chairman Konstantin Kuhle both condemned anyone who glorified the act of violence, with the latter stating that anyone who publicly celebrated the stabbing should face immediate and severe criminal proceedings, and that Muslim associations needed to make clear statements denouncing the use and glorification of violence to prevent future attacks.[25]

In the Abgeordnetenhaus of Berlin session of June 6, when a speaker mentioned (with double meaning in German) "... the terrible death in/of Mannheim ...", Green party member Tuba Bozkurt joked "Mannheim is dead?", causing laughter among other Green party members, according to the protocol.[29] Party leader Omid Nouripour and Bozkurt herself[30] apologized.

See also

References

  1. ^ @PolizeiMannheim (5 June 2024). "Schweigeminute #FürRouven. Zum Gedenken an unseren getöteten Kollegen #Rouven wird die Polizei BW am Freitag, 7. Juni 2024, um 11:34 Uhr, landesweit eine Schweigeminute durchführen. Die gesamte Bevölkerung ist eingeladen, sich an der Schweigeminute zu beteiligen. #einervonuns" [Minute of silence #ForRouven. In memory of our killed colleague #Rouven, the BW police will observe a minute of silence nationwide on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:34 a.m. The entire population is invited to take part in the minute of silence. #oneofus] (Tweet) (in German). Retrieved 6 June 2024 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ "Several people injured in stabbing in Mannheim, Germany, police say". NBC News. Associated Press. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Rechtspopulistische »Bürgerbewegung Pax Europa«: Wer sind die Opfer der Attacke von Mannheim?" [Right-wing populist “Citizens’ Movement Pax Europa”: Who are the victims of the Mannheim attack?]. Der Spiegel (in German). 31 May 2024. ISSN 2195-1349. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Ermittler halten islamistisches Motiv für wahrscheinlich" [Investigators believe Islamist motive is likely]. Der Spiegel (in German). 31 May 2024. ISSN 2195-1349. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Kundgebung - Mannheim" [Rally - Mannheim]. Bürgerbewegung PAX EUROPA e.V. (in German). Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  6. ^ Burrell, Miriam; Quadri, Sami (31 May 2024). "Knifeman stabs at least two people in Germany on YouTube livestream". The Evening Standard. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  7. ^ "MANNHEIM: 'Ich habe ihn festgehalten!' Er ging dazwischen - dann stach der Mörder auch auf ihn ein!" [MANNHEIM: "I held him!" He intervened - then the murderer stabbed him too!]. Die Welt (in German). 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ a b Tiede, Peter (2 June 2024). "Rouven L. starb für uns" [Rouven L. died for us]. Bild (in German).
  9. ^ "Mannheim knife attack: Policeman, anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing". news.com.au. 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  10. ^ a b Fowler, Sarah (31 May 2024). "Mannheim knife attack: Anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing". BBC News. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Germany knife attack: Man shot after stabbing police officer in frenzied attack at far-right event in Mannheim". Sky News. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  12. ^ Noryskiewicz, Anna (May 31, 2024). "Video shows anti-Islam activist among those stabbed in Germany knife attack". CBS News. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Mannheim knife attack: Police officer in serious condition". DW. 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  14. ^ a b c "Stürzenberger meldet sich nach Ärztevisite aus Klinik: "War richtig knapp gestern"" [Stürzenberger reports from clinic after doctor's visit: “It was really close yesterday”]. Focus (in German). 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^ "German police officer dies of wounds suffered in knife attack". Associated Press. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  16. ^ "Mannheim: Polizist stirbt nach Messerangriff auf Marktplatz". Der Spiegel (in German). 2024-06-02. ISSN 2195-1349. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  17. ^ "German police officer injured in Mannheim knife attack dies". DW. 2 June 2024.
  18. ^ "POL-MA: Gemeinsame Pressemitteilung der Staatsanwaltschaft Karlsruhe, des Präsidiums Mannheim und des LKA - Haftbefehlserlass nach Messerangriff auf dem Mannheimer Marktplatz am 31. Mai 2024" [POL-MA: Joint press release from the Karlsruhe Public Prosecutor's Office, the Mannheim Presidium and the LKA - Arrest warrant issued following knife attack on Mannheim's market square on May 31, 2024]. presseportal.de (in German). 2024-06-01. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  19. ^ Treza Albuquerque, Jenel (3 June 2024). "Mannheim, Germany Stabbing Suspect: What We Know So Far". Times Now World. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Mehrere Verletzte nach Messerangriff" [Several injured after knife attack]. Tagesschau (in German). 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  21. ^ "Messerattacke auf Mannheimer Marktplatz: Angreifer verletzt sechs Menschen" [Knife attack on Mannheim market square: Attacker injures six people]. Mannheimer Morgan (in German). 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Messer-Angreifer von Mannheim: Attentäter wohnte im 9. Stock mit Frau und Kindern" (in German). Bild. 1 June 2024.
  23. ^ Hollauf, Franz (31 May 2024). "Police say several people have been hurt in a stabbing in the German city of Mannheim". Kronen Zeitung. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  24. ^ "LKA-BW: Pressemitteilung der Staatsanwaltschaft Karlsruhe, des Präsidiums Mannheim und des LKA - Polizeibeamter erliegt den Verletzungen des Messerangriffs vom Mannheimer Marktplatz vom 31. Mai 2024" [LKA-BW: Press release from the Karlsruhe Public Prosecutor's Office, the Mannheim Presidium and the LKA - Police officer succumbs to injuries from the knife attack on Mannheim's market square on May 31, 2024]. Presseportal (in German). 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  25. ^ a b c Felten, Uwe (2024-06-02). "Attacke am Marktplatz in Mannheim: Bei Messerangriff verletzter Polizist gestorben" [Attack on the market square in Mannheim: Police officer injured in knife attack dies]. RP ONLINE (in German). Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  26. ^ "Police say several people have been hurt in a stabbing in the German city of Mannheim". CTV News. Associated Press. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  27. ^ Scholz, Olaf [@Bundeskanzler] (31 May 2024). "Die Bilder aus Mannheim sind furchtbar. Mehrere Personen sind von einem Attentäter schwer verletzt worden. Meine Gedanken sind bei den Opfern. Gewalt ist absolut inakzeptabel in unserer Demokratie. Der Täter muss streng bestraft werden" [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.] (Tweet) (in German). Retrieved 31 May 2024 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ "Angriff in Mannheim: „Jetzt muss auch der Letzte kapieren, dass wir Messerkriminalität ernst nehmen müssen"" [Attack in Mannheim: “Now even the last person must understand that we have to take knife crime seriously”]. Die Welt (in German). 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  29. ^ https://www.schwaebische.de/politik/im-video-gruenen-politikerin-bozkurt-witzelt-ueber-polizisten-mord-von-mannheim-2590449?s=35
  30. ^ https://x.com/TubaBozkurt/status/1798821823351796015
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