Federal Prosecutors Investigate Attack at Vocational School

A serious incident occurred at a vocational school in Essen, where a teacher was attacked with a knife. The alleged assailant, a 17-year-old student, has prompted the Federal Prosecutor's Office to take over the investigation following the attack.

On September 5, a 45-year-old teacher sustained severe injuries from the attack. Authorities reported that the suspect not only targeted the teacher but also attempted to stab a stranger in the street shortly after. During his escape, he reportedly sought out more victims near the old synagogue in Essen, but did not find any suitable targets.

The Federal Prosecutor's Office indicated that the assailant acted out of a radical Islamist conviction, which poses a threat to the fundamental societal structure in Germany. This justification led to the classification of the incident as a potential attack on national security.

After fleeing the scene, the suspect was apprehended near the main train station, where he was shot by police during his arrest and subsequently required intensive medical care. A local court has since issued an arrest warrant against him on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, although the official communication of this warrant was delayed due to his medical condition.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has highlighted the suspect's adherence to jihadist ideology. In fact, prior to the attack, he had formulated a plan to engage in jihad against perceived non-believers, seeking martyrdom.

Investigators noted that the prosecution's involvement is due to the case's significant implications. The protocol dictates that once federal authorities assume a case, the suspect is usually presented to a federal judge in Karlsruhe, who may issue a new arrest warrant. This process can take several days to weeks.

In a meeting of the interior committee of the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, Interior Minister Herbert Reul indicated that evidence is accumulating to suggest an Islamist motive behind the attack. Data analysis has uncovered hints of religious motivation, including videos created by the suspect.

Despite prior encounters with law enforcement in 2023 for offenses such as threats, violations of weapon laws, and possession of child pornography, the suspect had not been flagged by the police state security department prior to this incident.