A 19-year-old Syrian refugee has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial in what investigators believe was an attempt to kill Jews.
The attack, which took place two days before Germany’s snap parliamentary elections, comes amid rising political tensions over immigration following five deadly attacks involving migrants in the past nine months.
The suspect, who arrived in Germany in 2023 as an unaccompanied minor and was granted asylum, was arrested three hours after the incident with blood on his hands and clothes. Authorities say the victim, a 30-year-old man, suffered life-threatening neck injuries but is now out of danger following emergency surgery.
Investigators suggest the attack may be linked to the Middle East conflict, stating that the suspect had recently decided to target Jews. He was found carrying a backpack containing a Quran, a prayer mat, and the knife allegedly used in the stabbing.
The suspect, who had no prior criminal record in Berlin, is now under investigation for attempted murder and bodily harm. Authorities are also assessing whether he has any mental health issues.
