As of: 29.06.2021 12:37 p.m.
After the knife attack in Würzburg, the investigators have so far found no evidence of an Islamist motive. But such a background is obvious. An expert opinion should clarify the suspect’s culpability.
After the knife attack in Würzburg, the investigators see an Islamist background for the crime as “obvious”. However, it is questionable whether the alleged perpetrator was involved in a terrorist organization, said a spokesman for the State Criminal Police Office (LKA).
In the Würzburg accommodation of the man from Somalia, however, no evidence of an Islamist or extremist motive was discovered. However, eyewitnesses said he shouted “Allahu Akbar” when he attacked several people on Friday. Later in the hospital he is said to have spoken of his deeds as his “jihad”, that is, as his “holy war”.
Expert opinion on psyche
Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann had also spoken of some indications of an Islamist motive, but the background was still too unclear. According to him, the investigators hope to gain knowledge from the evaluation of two cell phones that were confiscated from the suspect’s accommodation.
In the course of this, a forensic psychiatric report is intended to clarify the guilty responsibility of the man who has suffered mental health problems in the past. Depending on the result, he could be admitted to a psychiatric clinic for treatment.
Alleged perpetrator lived in a homeless shelter
The 24-year-old last lived in the city shelter for the homeless in Würzburg. According to the State Criminal Police Office, he had been living in the city since the beginning of September 2019 after entering Germany in May 2015. The Somali had been awarded subsidiary protection in the Federal Republic of Germany because he had stated in his asylum application that he had fled from the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab.
Seriously injured victims out of danger to life
The 24-year-old apparently stabbed people at random during his attack in downtown Würzburg. Three women died as a result of the attack, seven people were injured, some seriously, and one man was slightly injured. An eleven year old girl was also targeted. In the meantime, none of the seriously injured victims is in mortal danger.
The police stopped the suspect with a shot in the leg. He is currently on remand. He is accused of triple murder, attempted murder, dangerous and willful bodily harm.
About 130 police officers involved in the investigation
Around 130 police officers are involved in the investigation into the attack. The Central Office for Extremism and Terrorism of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Munich had already taken over the investigation on Saturday. The State Criminal Police Office set up the “Main” special commission and is supported by the Lower Franconia Police Headquarters.
Bavarian LKA: “Islamist background obvious”
Julia Dechet, DLF, June 29, 2021 2:58 p.m.