German police fatally injured an Afghan national suspected of attacking several individuals in Wolmirstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. The incident occurred amid the high-security environment of Euro 2024, underscoring the event's vulnerability to unexpected violence. The attacker, a 27-year-old Afghan, first targeted a 23-year-old Afghan national in a residential building, resulting in the victim's death. Subsequently, the attacker moved to a private property where people had gathered to watch the opening match of Euro 2024. He used a knife-like object to seriously injure a 50-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man, and lightly injure a 56-year-old man.
The alarmed authorities responded swiftly. The attacker confronted emergency services with the same weapon, prompting police officers to use their firearms. The attacker later died in the hospital. Police have stated that there is no indication of a religiously motivated act or any specific motivation behind the attack. This incident amplifies the heightened sense of security surrounding Euro 2024 due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Earlier this year, a separate knife attack in Mannheim also involving an Afghan national triggered shockwaves across Germany, resulting in a renewed discussion on the resumption of expulsions of offenders to Afghanistan. These deportations had been suspended since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Such repeated incidents have led to amplified security measures, especially in light of large public events like Euro 2024.
Witnesses to the Wolmirstedt attack described chaotic and terrifying scenes. Neighbors initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers celebrating Germany's performance in the match. The quick response by the police to neutralize the attacker has been both commended and scrutinized, with investigations into the police officers' use of firearms already underway. Residents of Wolmirstedt and neighboring areas expressed their shock and distress over the attack, noting the profound psychological impact on the community.
- In other related news, Euro 2024, hosted by Germany, kicked off with Germany playing against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich. German coach Julian Nagelsmann is under pressure to revive the nation's football prestige after disappointing performances in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The match was officiated by French referee Clement Turpin and broadcasted by Qatari BeIN Sports channels.
- The German public and football fans across Europe are eager to witness whether Germany can regain its standing in international football. Meanwhile, the Scottish team is determined to advance beyond the group stage, a feat they couldn't achieve in the last edition of the tournament held in England. The opening match's anticipation had been overshadowed by the unfortunate attack in Wolmirstedt, highlighting a somber undercurrent to the celebrations.
