After a brutal knife attack in Aschaffenburg that claimed the lives of a two-year-old child and a 41-year-old man, German politicians are once again reeling from the failure to prevent violence involving immigrants. The suspect, a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, was known to authorities for violent offenses and psychiatric issues, yet remained in the country.
Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leader Alice Weidel wasted no time demanding action, calling for “remigration now” in response to the senseless violence. “In Bavaria, an Afghan in Aschaffenburg kills a toddler (2) and a good Samaritan (41) who rushed to help the child. My thoughts are with the relatives and the injured. Remigration now!” Weidel posted on X.
The attack took place in Schöntal Park, where the Afghan man specifically targeted a daycare group, stabbing the two-year-old boy and injuring several others. The passerby, who attempted to intervene, was also fatally stabbed. Police quickly apprehended the suspect, who had used a kitchen knife in the attack. A two-year-old girl and an adult were also injured.
Authorities revealed that the attacker had been under psychiatric care and was supposed to leave Germany but had failed to comply with the required departure. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann noted that the suspect had been involved in prior violent incidents and was previously treated for mental health issues.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack as an “unbelievable act of terror,” expressing his frustration with the ongoing violence, especially by individuals who came to Germany seeking protection. “I am sick of seeing such acts of violence every few weeks by perpetrators who came to us to find protection,” he stated.
However, Scholz’s response has come under heavy criticism. Sahra Wagenknecht, head of the BSW, pointed to the government’s failed refugee policies, saying, “The fact that nothing happened after Mannheim and Solingen is primarily the failure of the chancellor and his interior minister.”
Other politicians, including CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz, echoed concerns. Merz said, “Things cannot go on like this. We must and will restore law and order.” In light of the increasing number of violent incidents involving foreign nationals, the pressure is mounting on the German government to act swiftly.
Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder condemned the attack as “cowardly and despicable,” while Economics Minister Robert Habeck called it a “terrible assassination attempt.” FDP parliamentary leader Christian Dürr urged a special conference of interior ministers, emphasizing the need to identify and deport potential threats before more lives are lost.
The attack has reignited the ongoing debate over Germany’s immigration and asylum policies, with politicians and citizens alike demanding accountability and action to prevent further tragedies.
