Mannheim stabbing LIVE: Crazed man injures several in broad daylight knife rampage
Bystanders rushed to help the victim after the attacker lunged at him and tackled the man to the floor before thrusting a knife towards his head.
Multiple people have been injured after a horror attack in Germany this morning.
The attack, which took place in Mannheim, was captured during a YouTube live stream and it is believed to have happened during a small gathering for the BPE political group, which holds anti-Islam views.
The attacker can be seen tackling a man to the ground before attempting to thrust a knife into his head.
Bystanders rushed to aid the victim and tried to pull the attacker off. Video showed the victim suffered at least one knife wound to the back of his left leg.
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Interior minister warns of 'great danger posed by Islamist violence' after attack
In a statement, Ms Faeser said that, if the motive was Islamist-related, the incident highlighted the "great danger posed by Islamist violence".
She said: "If investigations show an Islamist motive behind the attack, that would be yet another confirmation of the great danger posed by Islamist violence, which we have been warning about."
Attack could be Islamist motivated - German interior minister
Police are yet to confirm the identity of the attacker or his motives, but Germany's interior minister, Nancy Faeser, said there was a possibility the attack may have been Islamist motivated.
Local paper Mannheimer Morgen cited a police spokesman who said a political motive cannot be ruled out.
Pictures show scene post-attack
Photographers have taken pictures of the scene after today's attack showing authorities on the scene.
Police cars can be seen standing by while cleanup continues, with microphones and other items used for the far-right gathering being packed up.
German Chancellor says knife attack 'absolutely unacceptable' in Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued a statement on the incident, saying the violence exhibited is "absolutely unacceptable" in Germany.
He called for the as of yet unidentified perpetrator to be "severely punished".
He wrote: "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."
Die Bilder aus Mannheim sind furchtbar. Mehrere Personen sind von einem Attent\u00e4ter schwer verletzt worden. Meine Gedanken sind bei den Opfern. Gewalt ist absolut inakzeptabel in unserer Demokratie. Der T\u00e4ter muss streng bestraft werden.
\u2014 Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) May 31, 2024
Stürzenberger 'undergoing emergency surgery'
Michael Stürzenberger is now undergoing surgery following today's attack, his colleague has said.
Stefanie Kizina told German newspaper Bild that he was "undergoing an emergency surgery".
She added that he had been stabbed in the face and leg, but that his injuries were not life-threatening.
What is Pax Europa?
Pax Europa, the group to which Michael Stürzenberger belongs, is a radical German group that has a reputation for extreme criticism of Islam.
The group describes itself as "neutral" but, according to Euronews, has earned a reputation in radical circles for opposing the presence of Muslims in Germany.
Among its platforms is a demand to ban mosques, and the party's Bavarian branch and Stürzenberger himself have been linked to similarly extreme European group Pegida.
The relations with the notably xenophobic organisation, which has neo-nazi members, has caught the eye of the German state's Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which has previously opened an investigation.
New police statement confirms attacker 'shot and injured'
Police have confirmed in a new statement that the Mannheim attacker was shot and injured by officers at the scene.
A spokesperson for the service said rail traffic has now closed between two stations due to the incident.
They said: "One person is said to have attacked several people with a knife and injured them.
"No information can be given yet about the extent and severity of the injuries.
"A firearm was then used against the attacker. The attacker was also injured as a result.
"Rescue and emergency services as well as the rescue helicopter are in action. There is no danger to the public.
"Rail traffic between the Kurpfalzkreisel and Paradeplatz is closed until further notice."
Michael Stürzenberger named as activist stabbed
Michael Stürzenberger was the far-right activist stabbed as he prepared to speak at a gathering of Pax Europa supporters today.
The activist, who has twice been convicted of insulting police and "incitement and denigration of religious teachings", was tended to by police and paramedics following the attack.
He was at the time preparing to broadcast a live video on YouTube, with a previous live stream having concluded.
The previous stream, which was still running at the time, caught the attack and following emergency response on video.
Mannheim police confirm 'major police operation'
Mannheim police have confirmed in a statement posted this afternoon that the incident took place.
They said: "There is currently a major police operation on the market square in Mannheim.
"A rescue helicopter is also in use. No further information can be provided at this time."
