Mannheim Market Square Attack: Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder
Attacker Mistakenly Targeted Prominent Anti-Islam Activist
Interior Minister Raises Concerns About "Possibilities That This Was Politically Motivated"
The attack on Mannheim market square that took place just before noon on Friday has taken a new turn as the suspect has been charged with attempted murder. Germanys Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said there was a "possibility that this was politically motivated" after it was revealed that the attacker had mistakenly targeted Michael Stürzenberger, a prominent anti-Islam activist.
The attack happened shortly after 11:30 am (09:30 GMT) on the Marktplatz, a downtown square in the southwestern city of Mannheim. The suspect, identified only as a 30-year-old Syrian national, allegedly approached Stürzenberger from behind and stabbed him in the back. Stürzenberger was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, but is now in stable condition.
Police initially believed that the attack was random, but further investigation has revealed that the suspect may have mistaken Stürzenberger for another individual. The suspect reportedly had a history of mental health issues and had been receiving treatment for paranoia. He is believed to have been targeting Stürzenberger because he believed that the activist was responsible for his problems.
Interior Minister Faeser has expressed concern about the possibility that the attack was politically motivated. She said that the government would "not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation" against those expressing their opinions.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the German Muslim community, many of whom have condemned the violence. The Central Council of Muslims in Germany has called for an investigation into the incident and has urged authorities to do everything possible to prevent similar attacks in the future.
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