Federal Prosecution Launches Investigation Following Knife Attack on Teacher

A serious incident has unfolded at a vocational college in Essen, where a teacher was subjected to a knife attack allegedly perpetrated by a 17-year-old student. In light of the circumstances, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has taken over the investigation, citing suspicions of attempted murder in two instances.

The assault occurred on September 5, when a 45-year-old teacher was severely injured. The suspect, who fled the scene, was apprehended shortly afterward near the central train station. During his arrest, he was shot by police, resulting in significant injuries that required hospitalization.

An arrest warrant for the suspect has been issued by a local court for attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Due to his medical condition, the announcement of the warrant was delayed, and he is currently under police surveillance while receiving treatment in the hospital.

Details emerging from the investigation indicate that the suspect harbored radical Islamist beliefs, which he allegedly acted upon during the attacks. Following the initial assault on the teacher, he reportedly attempted to target a stranger on the street and sought additional victims near the Old Synagogue in Essen but did not encounter any suitable targets.

The Federal Prosecutor's Office emphasized the potential threat posed to Germany's internal security by such ideologically motivated acts. The case has garnered significant attention, prompting the highest level of judicial inquiry.

According to reports, the suspect had formulated a plan just days before the incident, intending to engage in what he perceived as a holy struggle against non-believers, aspiring for martyrdom. The severity of the case has warranted the involvement of national authorities, highlighting its broader implications.

Interior Minister Herbert Reul, addressing the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, noted increasing evidence suggesting an Islamist motive behind the attack. Evaluation of seized digital materials revealed signs of religious motivation, including videos created by the suspect.

Prior to this incident, the young individual had come to the attention of law enforcement in 2023 due to various offenses, including threats and violations related to weapon laws. However, he had not been previously known to the state security services.

The ongoing investigation will continue to be managed by the Essen police, with the Federal Prosecutor's Office overseeing the next stages of legal proceedings. Typically, once an investigation is taken over by the federal authorities, the suspect is presented to the investigative judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe, which may take several days or weeks to occur.