Police Officer Critically Injured in Knife Attack at Anti-Islam Rally in Mannheim

A police officer critically injured during a knife attack at an anti-Islam rally organized by the right-wing group Pax Europa in Mannheim, Germany, remains in a serious condition. The incident occurred on Friday and also left five rally participants wounded, some of whom underwent emergency surgery. The suspect, who was shot by the police during the attack, has undergone surgery and is currently unresponsive, preventing authorities from interrogating him about his motives.

The suspect, a 25-year-old Afghan national who has been residing in Germany since 2014, is under an attempted homicide arrest warrant. His residence in Heppenheim was searched by investigators following the attack. The case has escalated to involve anti-terror investigators, highlighting the severity and potentially broader implications of the incident. The injured officer suffered multiple stab wounds to the back of the head, while Michael Stürzenberger, a prominent member of Pax Europa, was also injured but is reportedly out of danger. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, amidst ongoing concerns about the rhetoric and activities of Pax Europa, which has been criticized for Islamophobic positions.