KNIFE FRENZY
Knifeman launches attack on anti-Islam rally in Mannheim stabbing far-right activist & cop before being shot
Horror video shows the knifeman launching at a far-right Islam critic
A KNIFEMAN was shot by cops after a stabbing rampage at an anti-Islam rally in southwest Germany.
One of his victims, German far-right firebrand Michael Stürzenberger, is said to be undergoing surgery for stab wounds to his leg and face.
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The horror ordeal unfolded at a gathering in Mannheim for the BPE political group, which is known to hold anti-Islam views, and was live-streamed to thousands on YouTube on Friday morning.
Footage shows the moment the attacker also stabbed a police officer - and at least one other person was injured in the rampage.
Islam critic Michael Stürzenberger, 59, had been taking part in a rally organised by German counter-jihad group "Citizens' Movement PAX Europa" when he was attacked and "seriously" injured.
Shocking footage showed a bearded man armed with a large knife lunging at Stürzenberger before they both tumbled to the floor.
The rampaging knifeman repeatedly stabbed Stürzenberger in the face, neck, and chest area.
Other men dressed in blue, who also appeared to have taken part in the rally, attempted to pull the attacker from his victim.
Stürzenberger appeared to have been stabbed in his leg and face.
Blood spilled from a hole in his jeans and dripped near his eyes.
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A policeman tripped in the chaos and was crouched over when the knifeman lunged towards him and stabbed him in the back and side.
Another officer pointed a gun at the attacker, who fell to the ground as a shot rang out in the Mannheim market square.
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The knifeman rolled onto his back, laid still, and died, Bild reports.
Cops are yet to confirm whether the attacker died after he was shot.
German interior minister Nancy Faeser said on Friday afternoon: "The investigation will clarify the background to this crime.
"If the investigation reveals an Islamist motive, then that would be further confirmation of the great danger posed by Islamist acts of violence that we have warned about."
Stefanie Kizina, treasurer of the BPE group, earlier told Bild: "This was not an attack, but an act of terror.
"The attack happened before the event even started, it must have been planned well in advance."
The knifeman is believed to have been specifically targeting Stürzenberger, a far-right activist and the leader of the German Freedom Party from 2013 to 2016.
Ms Kizina said on Friday afternoon that Stürzenberger was stabbed in the leg and face and was undergoing emergency surgery.
She added: "His life is apparently not in danger. This is the second serious attack on him."
Stürzenberger was reportedly punched in the face by a Muslim person in Bonn in 2022.
This was not an attack, but an act of terror
Stefanie Kizina
Mannheim Police said: "According to current information, an attack on several people took place today at around 11:35 a.m. on the market square in Mannheim.
"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."
The YouTube video is now unavailable for public viewing.
Minutes after the "deadly" attack, forensic investigators, masked special forces, and state criminal police officers arrived on scene.
Terrorist threat 'acute' across Europe
By Jessica Baker
THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is "acute", the EU's law enforcement agency warns.
Europol said the top concern of EU countries is "jihadist terrorism" and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
Israel's spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games' opening ceremony and insisted "security is the priority" to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.
Islam critic Stürzenberger is a former media spokesman for the Munich CSU, an avowed critic of Islam and a member of the Pax Europa organisation, according to the citizens' movement's website.
Pax Europa said today: "Terrible news from Mannheim.
"At today's rally of the citizens' movement Pax Europa in Mannheim, Michael Stürzenberger, several BPE helpers and a policeman were stabbed by an attacker with a knife at around 11:30am.
"The bearded man was quickly overpowered by the police. The victims suffered severe injuries from the stab wounds."
Stürzenberger was monitored by state officials from 2013 to 2022 for comparing Islam with fascism, and has been convicted for incitement and denigration of religious teachings.
The far-right activist is also the author of an anti-Islam blog and became known in Germany through a citizens' petition against the construction of a mosque in Munich.
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Today's brutal attack comes just two weeks before the Euros kick-off, and 50 miles south of Frankfurt - where England will play Denmark on June 20.
Police and security chiefs across Germany are on high terrorist alert amid threats to next month's tournament from Islamists, the Far Right and pro-Russian factions.
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