Additional Coverage:
- 2 dead, 25 injured after vehicle drives into crowd (abcnews.go.com)
Mannheim Carnival Turns Deadly: Two Killed, 25 Injured in Car Attack
Tragedy struck the annual carnival celebration in Mannheim, Germany, on Monday when a car plowed into a crowd, leaving two dead and 25 injured. Police swiftly apprehended a suspect, identified as 40-year-old German citizen Alexander Scheuermann from Ludwigshafen.
The deceased victims were an 83-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man. Five of the injured are in critical condition, and officials confirmed that children were among those hurt. The suspect’s vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, was found abandoned near the scene.
Senior public prosecutor Romeo Schussler stated that authorities believe Scheuermann acted alone and intentionally drove into the crowd. Schussler revealed that the suspect has a prior record, including a short prison sentence for bodily harm and a drunk driving charge.
He also had a documented instance of hate speech on Facebook in 2018. While a motive remains under investigation, authorities are exploring the possibility that Scheuermann suffers from a mental health disorder.
The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. local time in the bustling Planken shopping district near Paradeplatz Square. Police initially closed off surrounding roads and bridges but later reopened the area.
Eyewitness Manu Brioso described witnessing the car moments before the attack. He was attending a class in a nearby building when he saw the vehicle speed past before striking the crowd. Security footage appears to corroborate Brioso’s account, showing the car accelerating down the street before the impact.
Mannheim University Hospital activated its emergency plan after receiving an alert about the incident. The hospital reported treating numerous adults and children, some with critical injuries, leading to a full intensive care unit.
This attack follows two other recent car-ramming incidents in Germany, one in Munich during a trade union demonstration and another at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. These incidents, coupled with the start of Ramadan and heightened security concerns across Europe, have put authorities on high alert.
Recent warnings from the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center highlighted potential threats to festivals and parades, particularly in Germany.
Read More About This Story:
- 2 dead, 25 injured after vehicle drives into crowd (abcnews.go.com)