Major health update on far-right activist stabbed in knife attack at Mannheim anti-Islam rally as he shares message
ONE of the victims stabbed in the knife attack at an anti-Islam rally in Germany on Friday has revealed an update on his condition.
Far-right activist Michael Stürzenberger posted a message to Telegram after undergoing surgery for wounds to his leg and face.
The Islam critic, 59, said he was “doing well” following the procedure.
During the rampage in Mannheim square five other people were injured – including a police officer.
He was reportedly stabbed in the head and neck from behind and is fighting for his life, Bild reports.
Stürzenberger wrote on Telegram that his more than two-hour operation “went well”.
He added: “Many thanks to all the doctors, surgeons, other medical staff and nurses involved.
“And to all the police officers and stewards of the BPE who courageously confronted the attacker.
“I hope that the police officer who stabbed him in the neck and all the other injured people will soon be well again.”
Stürzenberger was attending the rally organised by anti-Islam group “Citizens’ Movement PAX Europa” who campaigns particularly against the construction of mosques in Germany.
They claim to lobby for “freedom and democracy” against so-called “Islamisation”.
HOW THE ATTACK UNFOLDED
At around 11.30am local time, a YouTube live stream captured the moment a bearded man launched his attack, brandishing a huge knife.
He lunges at Stürzenberger before they both tumble to the floor and appears to stab him in the face, neck and chest.
Shocking footage shows blood dripping from a hole in his jeans and dripping near his eyes.
Other men dressed in blue, who appear to have been involved in the rally, attempt to pull the attacker from his victim.
Police soon swarm the scene and one of the officers is attacked by the knifeman.
He holds a bloodied hand to his left ear as he kneels next to someone on the ground.
Two cops then aim their guns at the attacker as he lies on the ground and a shot rings out.
The knifeman rolled onto his back, laid still, and died, Bild reports.
Four other people were wounded during the rampage and no information has been revealed yet on their condition.
Local authorities said yesterday: “All of the injured were subsequently taken to various hospitals, where some of them had to undergo emergency surgery.”
Cops have not revealed the identity of the suspect, but German media claim he is a 25-year-old who was born in Afghanistan and lives in Germany.
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, 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.”
Mannheim Police said after the attack: “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.”
Minutes after the rampage, forensic investigators, masked special forces, and state criminal police officers arrived on scene.
Pictures show investigators on the scene yesterday afternoon – cleaning up the blood and setting up forensic testing.
Terrorist threat 'acute' across Europe
BY Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
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.
