Knifeman stabs several people at anti Islam rally in Germany

A knifeman has been apprehended for stabbing several people and a police officer at a political rally in Germany.

The violent attack occurred in the city of Mannheim, where anti-Islamist campaigner Michael Stuerzenberger was speaking at an event organized by the Citizens’ Movement Pax Europa, BPE, a group that advocates against the ‘Islamisation’ of Europe.

While anti-Islamist campaigner Michael was speaking, a man dressed in a dark hooded jacket, green shirt, and tracksuit bottoms attacked him, knocking him to the ground and violently swinging a large blade at him in front of spectators.

Other BPE members tried to drag the knifeman away, but the attacker broke free and continued to cause harm.

Police arrived on the scene almost immediately.

One officer tried to pull the knifeman back but failed to gain control of the blade, allowing the attacker to plunge it into his torso.

His colleagues were heard screaming “throw the knife away!” but the knifeman ignored the orders.

The officers then opened fire from near point-blank range, sending him to the ground.

The horrific attack was captured in its entirety by a cameraman who was livestreaming the event on the BPE’s page. But the stream has since been taken down.

Mannheim Police issued a brief statement online following the attack, but provided no details about the condition of the assailant or the victims.

“The statement read, ‘There is currently a major police operation on the market square in Mannheim. A rescue helicopter is also in use. No further information can be given at this time.'”

Speaking at the rally on livestream before he was set upon by his attacker, the activist was heard explaining how the event would de-escalate if there was a prospect things could turn violent.

“We want to first see if we can manage a sensible discussion as always, of course we will de-escalate if it gets heated.

“There was a staunch Muslim there earlier who was pretty agitated and he shouted.

“We still have democracy here, we have freedom we have our basic laws, our values and that is what we have to defend,’ he said, referencing the professed desire of some hardline Islamic groups in Germany who have advocated for the introduction of Sharia law in their districts.”