German police arrested a Somali immigrant after he stabbed a 40-year-old man in the neck. The arrest, which involved 30 officers, occurred outside a large store in the small town of Waltershausen. Prior to the stabbing, the 27-year-old immigrant had caused panic by threatening store patrons with a knife and making death threats. He attacked the victim shortly before his arrest.
According to German newspapers, the victim had asked the immigrant to stop disturbing people when he was suddenly stabbed in the neck. Despite the attack, the victim managed to escape with minor injuries and prevent further stabbings. Witnesses among the store patrons intervened to subdue the attacker.
After the incident, the police organized a large operation involving 30 officers who went to the scene to apprehend the attacker. The Somali immigrant, who was heavily intoxicated at the time, was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted manslaughter, threatening behavior, and violent disorder. It is worth noting that the police are familiar with this individual, as he has a history of criminal activity and previous convictions. However, he has not yet faced deportation.
A prosecutor stated that “the defendant threatened the victim and others, saying ‘I will kill you and your family,’ before stabbing the victim in the neck with a knife, and he was aware of the potential consequences of his actions before the victim’s death.” The charges against the defendant carry a maximum penalty of 15 years.
Waltershausen, a town situated 50 kilometers from Erfurt in East Thuringia, is part of a state known for its strong support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. With state elections on the horizon, polls suggest that the AfD is projected to receive 30% of the vote. However, recent developments could influence the election results.
The incident occurs amidst intense political and societal debate over a series of stabbing incidents involving foreigners. Many politicians and party leaders are calling for stricter asylum policies, particularly in response to the recent stabbing in Zollingen, which resulted in the deaths of three Germans and injuries to eight others. In 2023, a significant proportion of violent crimes were committed by foreigners, and this trend is expected to persist into 2024.
