In a shocking incident that unfolded in the southwestern German city of Mannheim on Monday, at least one person has tragically lost their life, and several others have sustained injuries after a vehicle careened into a crowd of pedestrians. Local police confirmed that the event took place shortly after midday local time (6 a.m. ET), as reported by spokesperson Stefan Wilhelm.
Authorities swiftly apprehended a suspect following the incident, which prompted the German federal government to issue an “extreme danger” warning for the city. A large-scale police operation is currently underway to ensure public safety. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos that ensued, with one restaurant worker, Mikla Cela, describing how a black car sped past him, followed by screams and the sight of a man in a white jacket lying on the ground.
Ferry Overdevest, the owner of a flower store located in central Mannheim, reported that around 30 individuals sought refuge in his shop as ambulances rushed to the scene. Mannheim University Hospital confirmed that three of the injured individuals are currently receiving urgent acute care, including a child. However, police have yet to release specific details regarding the total number of injuries.
This incident occurs amidst a troubling pattern of car ramming attacks in Germany over recent months. While police have not confirmed whether the Mannheim incident was a deliberate attack, past events raise concerns. In December, a vehicle struck a Christmas market in Magdeburg, claiming six lives, including that of a 9-year-old boy. The perpetrator, a 50-year-old Saudi citizen, had been living in Germany for over a decade and was known for his outspoken criticism of Islam.
Earlier this year, another tragic incident took place in Munich, where a Mini Cooper was driven into demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her child and injuring more than 30 others. The suspect in that case was a 24-year-old Afghan man. This attack coincided with significant political events, including the Munich Security Conference and the federal elections, where issues of immigration and security were at the forefront, notably benefiting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Today’s incident in Mannheim is particularly alarming as it coincides with the celebration of “Rose Monday,” a festive carnival observed before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. In light of this event, German police had already heightened their security presence, but the ramming incident has prompted additional measures. Police in Ulm, located southeast of Mannheim, reported a significant increase in their presence around carnival festivities to ensure the safety of participants and attendees.
This tragic event has once again raised questions about public safety and security in Germany, as authorities work diligently to manage the aftermath and provide reassurance to the community.
