Rampage Leaves Dozens Injured as Suspect Sets Fires, Rams Buildings, and Wields Machete in Germany
A 41-year-old Syrian national launched a series of violent attacks in the German city of Essen on Saturday, leaving 31 people injured, including two children in critical condition. According to police reports, the suspect carried out arson attacks, car rammings, and threatened people with a machete.
The chaos began around 5:10 p.m. when the man set fire to a residential building on Altenessener Strasse. Shortly after, he ignited a second blaze at another location nearby. As people fled the burning buildings, some resorted to throwing children from windows onto cushions below to escape the flames. The fire service confirmed 31 injuries, while police reported 30.
The attacker then drove to Katernberger Strasse, where he rammed his car into a shop, reversed, and crashed into the building again. He later exited the vehicle, brandishing a machete, and threatened nearby civilians, who attempted to fend him off by throwing objects.
Video footage captured the confrontation, and police arrested the man, who had burns on his hands, a short distance from the scene. Authorities confirmed the suspect was previously known to law enforcement.
Essen police stated they are investigating the link between the incidents and the motive behind the attacks.
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