In southern Germany, a knifeman was shot by police following a frenzied attack on an anti-Islam activist who was livestreaming a YouTube video during a small gathering for the BPE political group in Mannheim.
Multiple individuals, including at least one police officer, sustained serious injuries during the rampage.
German news outlet Bild reported that among the victims is Islam critic Michael Stürzenberger.
As of now, the conditions of both the victim and the suspect remain unknown.
The assailant stabbed several individuals participating in the event before targeting a police officer.
The incident unfolded around 11:30am on Friday at Marktplatz, a square in Mannheim, a city with approximately 300,000 residents located south of Frankfurt.
Authorities have yet to disclose the severity of the injuries or the exact number of casualties, but they assured that there is no longer a threat to public safety.
Video footage from the scene, broadcast online, captured the moment when police shot the knifeman after he had stabbed the officer.
Mannheim police confirmed via social media that a major incident had occurred, stating, “There is currently a major police operation on the market square in Mannheim,” while adding that a rescue helicopter was deployed. Further details were not provided at that time.
The video also shows paramedics administering medical aid to multiple victims at the scene.