Man stabs multiple people including police officer during YouTube live stream in Mannheim, Germany, before being apprehended

The bespectacled and bearded attacker is clearly seen holding a blade several inches long

In a shocking incident livestreamed on YouTube, a knifeman attacked several bystanders and a police officer at a political rally in Mannheim, Germany. The rally, held by anti-Islamist campaigner Michael Stuerzenberger and the Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE), descended into chaos this morning.

The attacker, dressed in a dark hooded jacket, green shirt, and tracksuit bottoms, tackled a victim—believed to be Stuerzenberger—to the ground and violently swung a large blade at him. Despite efforts by BPE members to intervene, the assailant managed to stab the victim a second time before police arrived.

Chaos broke out at the event when a man dressed in a dark hooded jacket and tracksuit tackled a BPE member to the ground and began violently swinging a large blade at him

The attacker left two people bleeding on the ground. As one police officer attempted to provide first aid, the knifeman circled behind and stabbed the officer in the neck. Officers shouted for him to drop the knife, and when he did not comply, they opened fire, bringing him down.

The entire attack was captured by a cameraman livestreaming the event on the BPE's YouTube page. The stream, which has since been taken down, ended with paramedics arriving to treat at least three victims.

The shocking spree unfolded in the city of Mannheim where anti-Islamist campaigner Michael Stuerzenberger was speaking at an event of the Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE). Stuerzenberger is seen in an Instagram post linking to the YouTube livestream moments before the attack

Mannheim Police issued a brief statement: "There is currently a major police operation on the market square in Mannheim. A rescue helicopter is also in use. No further information can be given at this time."

Stuerzenberger, 59, had expressed concerns about potential violence earlier in the rally. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation and democratic values, referencing a confrontation with an agitated attendee earlier.

The savage blade is clearly seen in this grab from the YouTube live stream

The attack highlights the increasing tensions in Germany over issues of Islam and immigration. The rise of right-wing parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has intensified debates, with the AfD capitalizing on anti-Islam and anti-immigration sentiments.

Germany has been a major destination for refugees, especially since 2015 when Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the country's borders to over a million asylum seekers. This policy has been both praised and criticized, fueling the growth of anti-immigration groups like the BPE and Pegida.

Blood smears are seen on the floor as the knifeman rounds on another victim

Recent studies indicate significant concern among Germans about the influence of Islam. A survey by the Criminal Research Institute of Lower Saxony found that a majority of students believe the Qur'an is more important than German law, and a significant portion support Islamic theocracy and can understand violence against those who insult Islam.