German police shoot stabbing attacker, Islamic critic and police officer wounded

According to initial reports, two additional people were stabbed, among whom was a police officer.

Police officers stand outside a temporary facility set up to house the courtroom for the trial against the inner circle of a group of Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich) who are alleged to have plotted the violent overthrow of the German government in 2022, ahead of the start of the trial in Frank (photo credit: KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS)
Police officers stand outside a temporary facility set up to house the courtroom for the trial against the inner circle of a group of Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich) who are alleged to have plotted the violent overthrow of the German government in 2022, ahead of the start of the trial in Frank
(photo credit: KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS)

 German police said they shot and wounded a man armed with a knife who attacked a right-wing demonstration in the southwestern city of Mannheim on Friday.

Mannheim police confirmed in a statement released on Friday that a "major police operation" was underway at the market square in the German city of Mannheim. 

"A rescue helicopter is also in use. No further information can be provided at this time," the police added.

Earlier on Friday, it was reported by the German newspaper Bild that German activist and Islam critic Michael Stürzenberger had been attacked by a knife-wielding assailant in Mannheim.

Stuerzenberger, 59, who describes himself as an Islam-critical journalist, has been a member of several far-right anti-Islam organizations, including the PEGIDA movement that holds regular marches in cities especially in eastern Germany.

Assailant reportedly shot by police

According to initial reports, two additional people were stabbed, among whom was a police officer.

  A knifeman in Germany stabs far-right activist Michael Stürzenberger. May 31, 2024. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)
A knifeman in Germany stabs far-right activist Michael Stürzenberger. May 31, 2024. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)

The attacker was reportedly shot by the police at the scene. 

The attack occurred during a political rally in the area. 

Stürzenberger, a right-wing activist, served as the leader of the German Freedom Party between the years 2013-2016. He is known for his harsh criticism of Islam and anti-Islam views.

This is a developing story.