Man wields axe on crowded street, police neutralises him; Video surfaces

New Delhi: Panic erupted in Hamburg, Germany, on Sunday, as police shot a man wielding a pickax in the St. Pauli district. The incident occurred just hours before the city was set to host the much-anticipated Euro 2024 match between the Netherlands and Poland.

Authorities intervene

Local authorities confirmed that police officers in Hamburg apprehended a male suspect who threatened passersby with a pickax. The incident unfolded in the bustling downtown area of St. Pauli, situated near the location where 40,000 Dutch fans were participating in a pre-match march ahead of their clash with Poland.

No connection with football

Despite the proximity to the Euro 2024 festivities, officials swiftly downplayed any direct connection between the attack and the football match. A police spokesperson, speaking to DPA news agency, emphasized, "According to current information, there is no link to the football event."

Escalating situation

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, reports indicate that the suspect was not only armed with the pickax but also carried a suspected incendiary device, potentially a Molotov cocktail. Media outlets suggest that officers initially attempted to subdue the individual using pepper spray before resorting to a firearm.

Video of shots fired to neutralise the axe-wielding man

Local media reports detail that one officer fired a warning shot before the situation escalated further, leading to additional shots and the suspect's subsequent collapse. Thankfully, the injured individual is currently receiving medical treatment, as confirmed by Hamburg police on their social media platform (formerly Twitter).

Heightened security measures

Security had already been significantly amplified in Hamburg in anticipation of the high-profile Euro 2024 match. Hundreds of police officers from both Hamburg and federal forces were strategically deployed throughout the city.

Second violent incident in Germany

This unsettling event comes just days after another violent attack in eastern Germany. On Friday, a separate incident saw a man fatally stab one person before forcing his way into a house party celebrating the Euro 2024 opening match. During the home invasion, the attacker inflicted severe injuries on three additional individuals, with two in critical condition. Police continue to investigate the motive behind this earlier attack.

Uncertainties remain

While the immediate threat in Hamburg has been neutralized, the incident raises concerns about public safety during major events. Authorities are likely to maintain heightened security measures throughout the Euro 2024 tournament, ensuring the safety of players, fans, and the general public.