Man storms German church yelling 'Allahu Akbar,' injures 9 people

The attacker has been identified as a 36-year-old Somali man.

By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL
The town hall of Munich, Germany. (photo credit: ALEXANDRA BEIER / REUTERS)
The town hall of Munich, Germany.
(photo credit: ALEXANDRA BEIER / REUTERS)
Parishioners said a man screamed Arabic phrases, including “Allahu Akbar,” as he charged into the St. Paul’s Parish Church on Saturday. The assailant, identified by police as a 36-year-old Somali man, caused injuries to at least nine people.
Marko Petrovic – who was pushed aside by the assailant – told the Munich-based tz paper on Wednesday, “The man ran past me, rammed my elbow into his side and called ‘Allahu Akbar.’ He threw something. A few visitors, strong men, were able to pull him to the ground and hold him until the police arrived.”
The Munich police issued a statement on Sunday, stating the offender “entered the church through the main entrance, gesticulating and shouting unintelligible words. In addition, he is said to have thrown several stones in the church.”
“Whether the accused actually said ‘Allahu Akbar,’ or if this is misinformation, is still under review.”
The police added “Some visitors then fled the church. They were then followed by more visitors in the direction of the exits.”
“Nine individuals were injured. Four of them were transported to Munich hospitals.”
“The man was first held by worshipers and finally arrested by police. He is a 36-year-old Somali,” they said.
The assailant caused mass panic and injuries. Videos posted online show the inside of the church in disarray. The police arrested the man on Saturday evening in the church.
Jozo Dramac – who was in the church – told tz, “Someone screamed in Arabic, ‘Allah, Allah.’ I was there with my wife and son. The people were in a panic. I’ve tried to keep calm, but I’m still scared.”