A man and a toddler are dead following a stabbing attack in the German city of Aschaffenburg.
The suspect, an Afghan migrant who had previously been ordered to leave the country, was promptly arrested.
According to Main-Echo, the incident took place shortly before noon CET Wednesday in Schöntal Park, a popular green space in the heart of town. The suspect allegedly followed a daycare troop as they made their way down a trail. When the adults in charge noticed him, they guided the group towards the exit, but he blocked their way and launched into his attack.
First responders were notified right away, and arrived at the park a short time later to find two young children and two adults suffering from stab wounds. Despite their best efforts, a 2-year-old child and a 41-year-old man succumbed to their injuries. The latter was said to have been a bystander who jumped in to try and save the child. The other adult and child are recovering in hospital.
After carrying out the attack, the suspect fled towards the city's south train station, where police tracked him down. He was arrested along Dr. Willi-Reiland-Ring under the Wilhelm-Hoeger-Anlage.
"I am shocked, deeply shaken and my heart goes out to the victims and their families," Aschaffenburg Mayor Jürgen Herzing said while hurrying home from a ski trip in the Alps. "In the next few days we will create an opportunity to pause and express our shared grief. A church service will also take place. I would like to thank all emergency workers and relief workers as well as everyone who helped with the initial medical treatment of the victims."
No further information has been provided regarding a potential motive, though it has been reported that the suspect suffered from mental health issues that had gone unaddressed.
During a press conference, Interior Minister Joachim Hermann explained that the suspect came to Germany in 2022 and went on to apply for asylum the following year. After being arrested for violent crimes more than three times, he entered into psychiatric treatment. On December 4, 2023, he told authorities he would leave the country voluntarily, and was ordered to do so. He never followed through with that promise.