Right-Wing Candidate Heinrich Koch Stabbed In Mannheim, Second Attack In Four Days
In a troubling escalation of violence, Heinrich Koch, a 62-year-old Alternative for Germany (AfD) council election candidate, was stabbed on Tuesday night in Mannheim after confronting a group of men who were tearing down election posters. This marks the second stabbing of a right-wing figure in Mannheim within four days.
According to German newspaper Die Welt, Koch sustained cuts to his ear and stomach and was hospitalized for his injuries, which required stitches but are not life-threatening. The assailant, a 25-year-old man, was part of a trio stealing election posters. While two of the group escaped, one slashed Koch with a box-cutter type knife before fleeing. The attacker was later arrested and sent to a psychiatric hospital due to mental illness. Authorities have stated there is no concrete evidence the attacker knew Koch was a politician, suggesting no political motive.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel described the attack as a “horrifying act” and wished Koch a swift recovery. Party MP Tino Chrupalla highlighted that AfD members are frequently targeted for political violence but reaffirmed their commitment to campaigning.
This incident follows another stabbing in Mannheim involving an Afghan migrant who attacked a political demonstration. Michael Stuerzenberger, an anti-Mosque and anti-Islamification activist, was seriously injured, and a police officer was killed after arresting the wrong person. Police initially withheld details about the motive but later confirmed that the attack was likely motivated by extremist Islamism. The suspect, who was slated for deportation, is still in the hospital after being shot by police.
These attacks have stirred significant debate ahead of the European Parliament elections and German local elections this Sunday. Footage of the attack on Stuerzenberger, which was livestreamed, has spread on social media, leading to heightened discussions about deportation policies as the election approaches.
