In Hamburg's Reeperbahn, a man was shot by police after threatening officers and the public with a pickaxe and a Molotov cocktail. The incident occurred near the St. Pauli district shortly before the European Championship match between Poland and the Netherlands, yet officials indicate no connection between the incident and the football event.
Police reports state that the 39-year-old German male emerged from a snack bar on Silbersackstrasse armed with a slate hammer and a Molotov cocktail. He approached passers-by and police officers in a menacing manner, leading to the police firing their weapons after he ignored commands to drop his tools. The assailant was hit, promptly receiving medical attention before being transported to a hospital.
Thousands of Dutch fans were present in Hamburg for the Euro Cup match, creating a festive atmosphere in the city's streets. Despite the attack happening near the fan gathering areas, authorities found no direct link between the attacker’s motives and the football match. The State Criminal Police Office and the Internal Investigations Department of the Interior Ministry have taken over the investigation to determine the reasons behind the man's actions.
According to local media, before employing firearms, police had initially attempted to subdue the attacker with pepper spray, followed by a warning shot. When these measures proved ineffective, shots were fired, leading to the man being struck in the leg. It's believed that the man intended to use the Molotov cocktail among the gathered fans.
Security has been heightened across Germany for the Euro Cup, with extensive measures in place to counter potential threats from terrorism and hooliganism. The Interior Ministry has deployed approximately 22,000 Federal Police agents to ensure the safety of over 2.7 million expected spectators throughout the tournament.
- The incident that led to the police shooting a man near the Reeperbahn occurred amid a large gathering of Dutch football fans celebrating for the Euro Cup match between Poland and the Netherlands. Despite the attacker’s proximity to the fan zone, officials confirmed that the altercation was not related to the football event. This assurance came after thorough investigation, with a strong emphasis on public and event security given the ongoing tournament.
- Aside from the incident, fans continued to revel in the European Championship atmosphere, exhibiting good spirits and adhering to the security measures put in place. The joint efforts of the local police and event organizers played a crucial role in ensuring the situation remained under control.
- This year’s Euro Cup security arrangements reflect a proactive approach taken by German authorities in light of general security concerns. The significant deployment of Federal Police and robust security protocols underscore the country's commitment to providing a safe environment for the international event. This incident tested those measures, showcasing the readiness and response effectiveness of the police force.
