Knife attacker kills two-year-old, man in Germany

 Knife Attack in Germany Leaves Two Dead, Including Toddler; Afghan Suspect Arrested

A knife-wielding attacker killed a two-year-old child and a man while seriously injuring two others in a park in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, on Wednesday. German police confirmed that a 28-year-old Afghan man was arrested near the crime scene.

The attack, which took place around 11:45 am (10:45 GMT), is the latest in a string of deadly knife incidents that have heightened public safety concerns in Germany. According to local media, the suspect allegedly targeted a group of children from a daycare centre who were in the park at the time.

“Two people were fatally injured,” police stated. “Two others sustained serious wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment.”

Authorities have not yet identified a motive, but investigations into the incident are ongoing. Reports suggest that the suspect had a history of psychological issues and had received prior medical treatment. Police reassured the public that there were no indications of additional suspects and that the situation was under control.

Another individual has been detained for questioning as a witness. The park was immediately cordoned off, and train services in the area were temporarily suspended after the suspect allegedly attempted to flee across the tracks, according to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

Series of Knife Attacks in Germany

Germany has witnessed several violent knife attacks in recent years. In June 2024, a police officer was fatally stabbed during an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim, leading to the arrest of an Afghan suspect.

Two months later, a stabbing spree at a street festival in Solingen resulted in three deaths and eight injuries. The attack was later claimed by the Islamic State group, and a Syrian national was taken into custody.

The Solingen incident, suspected to have been motivated by Islamist extremism, ignited a fierce debate over immigration policies in Germany. In response, the government introduced stricter knife control measures, reduced asylum benefits, and expanded the powers of security agencies.

Political Implications Amidst Election Campaign

The Aschaffenburg attack comes as Germany approaches its national elections on February 23. Polls indicate that the conservative CDU/CSU alliance holds the lead with approximately 30% support, followed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 20%. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats are currently polling at around 16%.

With security concerns and immigration policies at the forefront of political discourse, the latest attack is expected to further shape the ongoing election debate.