Mannheim knife attack: Policeman, anti-Islam activist injured in stabbing

A horrific mistake has been identified after a knifeman went on a stabbing rampage at an anti-Islam rally in Germany, injuring six people, including a police officer.

Warning: Graphic

Horrific footage captured the moment a German police officer tackled the wrong man amid a stabbing rampage before the crazed knifeman took to him with a blade.

Police gunned down a knifeman after a stabbing rampage left six people injured at an anti-Islam rally in southwest Germany on Friday.

The horror ordeal at Mannheim was live-streamed to thousands on YouTube on Friday morning.

A knifeman went on a stabbing rampage at an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim, Germany, injuring six people, including a police officer.

The attack happened during a gathering for the BPE political group, which is known to hold anti-Islam views.

Authorities have confirmed six people were injured, including a police officer, who was filmed being stabbed.

Another victim is said to be Islam critic Michael Stürzenberger, 59, who had reportedly earlier taken part in a rally organised by German counter-jihad group “Citizens’ Movement PAX Europa”.

The attack, which occurred during a gathering for the anti-Islam BPE political group, was live-streamed on YouTube.

Shocking footage showed a man armed with a large knife lunging at another man before they both tumbled to the floor.

The rampaging knifeman repeatedly stabbed his victim in the face, neck, and chest area.

A hero dressed in blue attempted to intervene before a police officer mistakenly tackled him.

While the policeman was tied up on the ground with the man in blue, the knifeman appeared to strike the distracted officer with his blade.

Shocking footage showed the knifeman stabbing a man repeatedly before being tackled by police; the officer was then attacked by the knifeman.

Another officer then pointed a gun at the knifeman, briefly yelling “throw the knife”, before the attacker was stopped with a single gunshot.

“According to current information, an attack on several people took place today at around 11.35am on the market square in Mannheim,” Mannheim Police said on Friday.

Police intervened, and the knifeman was stopped with a single gunshot after being ordered to drop the knife. Credit: YouTube

“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.”

The police added: “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.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as “terrible” and said that his thoughts were with the victims.

Authorities confirmed the attack and reported that emergency services were on the scene, with no further danger to the public. Picture: AFP

“Violence is absolutely unacceptable in our democracy. The perpetrator must be severely punished,” he posted on X.

The YouTube video is now unavailable for public viewing.

Islam critic Stürzenberger is a former media spokesman for the Munich CSU (Christian Social Union), an avowed critic of Islam and a member of the Pax Europa organisation, according to the citizens’ movement’s website.

Stürzenberger was monitored by the Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution from 2013 to 2022 for comparing Islam with fascism, Bild reports.

He was convicted twice: once for insulting police and a second time for incitement and denigration of religious teachings, said Bild.