MANNHEIM, Germany — Authorities are set to question a 40-year-old man on Tuesday, following a deadly car attack that left two people dead and eleven others injured in Mannheim’s city centre.
The suspect, who hails from Ludwigshafen, is accused of double murder and multiple counts of attempted murder.
The incident occurred on Monday when the suspect drove his vehicle at high speed through a pedestrian zone near Paradeplatz, targeting pedestrians in what investigators believe was an intentional act.
An 83-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man were killed, while several others were critically injured. According to police reports, the suspect attempted to harm himself during his arrest, firing a blank gun into his mouth.
He was swiftly taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been discharged into police custody. The authorities hope that his questioning will shed light on the motive behind the attack.
Early investigations suggest that the motive may be linked to the suspect’s personality or a potential mental disorder, with no indications of extremist or religious motivations.
“At this point, there is no evidence suggesting a terrorist background,” a police spokesperson stated. However, the investigation remains open as authorities work to understand the suspect’s actions.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the vehicle tore through the busy pedestrian area. “People were screaming and running in all directions.
It was terrifying,” said one witness who was at the scene during the attack. Emergency services responded swiftly, cordoning off the area and providing medical aid to the injured.
In the aftermath of the attack, Mannheim’s Mayor, Christian Specht, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation. “This is a dark day for our city. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Specht said.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are appealing to the public for any additional information or footage that could assist in piecing together the events leading up to the attack. Meanwhile, security has been heightened across the city centre as a precautionary measure.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Mannheim, a city known for its vibrant public squares and shopping districts. Residents gathered at the site of the attack to leave flowers and candles, paying tribute to the victims.
As the suspect faces questioning, many in Mannheim and beyond await answers to what drove this seemingly senseless act of violence.
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