German prosecutors have confirmed that the knife attack on a tourist at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin was motivated by antisemitism. The suspect, a 19-year-old Syrian refugee, allegedly planned to „kill Jews” and deliberately chose the site, which commemorates six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, reports Tagesschau.
On the day of the attack, the suspect approached a 30-year-old Spanish tourist from behind and stabbed him in the neck, causing life-threatening injuries. The victim underwent emergency surgery and was temporarily placed in an artificial coma but is now recovering.
Police arrested the suspect three hours after the incident near the Memorial. Officers noted his blood-stained hands and clothing. He did not resist arrest and appeared calm. Authorities are investigating whether he has any mental health issues.
Investigators believe the attacker was motivated by antisemitism, having planned to „kill Jews” for several weeks. They linked his actions to the location, choosing the Holocaust Memorial as the crime scene due to its historical significance.
The suspect also appeared to have a religious motive. He was carrying a Koran, a piece of paper with verses from the Koran, and a prayer rug in his backpack. Officials indicated possible connections to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The attacker is a recognised Syrian refugee living in a refugee shelter in Leipzig. He had not been known to the police in Berlin but was known to authorities in Saxony for minor offences which were not politically motivated.
An arrest warrant for grievous bodily harm and attempted murder has been issued, and the suspect is now in custody.
German leaders condemned the attack as a heinous act of antisemitism:
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described it as a „despicable and brutal crime.” She stressed that those who abuse Germany’s protection for violent crimes have „forfeited every right to be in Germany.” Faeser pledged to use „all means to deport violent criminals back to Syria.”
Berlin’s Interior Senator Iris Spranger called the attack „unbearable,” particularly given its location at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. She expressed support for the injured victim and wished him a full recovery.
This incident is the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks in Europe, raising concerns about the safety of Jewish communities. The choice of location—a memorial symbolising the atrocities of the Holocaust—has heightened public outrage and renewed calls for more decisive action against antisemitism.
The investigation is ongoing as German authorities continue to explore the suspect’s motives and connections.
Photo credit: AP Photo
More News
