Police in Hamburg have shot and injured an axe-wielding man in the bustling St Pauli district, an area teeming with Euro 2024 fans. The incident, which also involved the man threatening officers with a firebomb, occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time on the Reeperbahn, one of Hamburg’s main nightlife hubs.
According to a statement on social media platform X, the injured man is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have cordoned off the area near the Reeperbahn, and a significant police presence remains on the scene.
“Officers were threatened by the suspect, who was also carrying a firebomb,” the Hamburg police said. They confirmed that while the suspect posed a direct threat to the officers, there is no indication that the incident was related to the Euro 2024 tournament.
Images from the scene show police vehicles and heavily armed officers securing the area, ensuring the safety of the thousands of football fans who had gathered in the city. Despite the heightened tension, police have assured the public that the situation is under control.
This incident occurred just hours before the scheduled Euro 2024 match between Poland and the Netherlands at the Volksparkstadion. Fans had already started gathering for the match, adding to the urgency of the police operation.
German authorities have been on high alert since the start of the Euro 2024 tournament on Friday, anticipating possible fan violence and terrorist threats. The tournament, which will run until July 14, has prompted a significant security presence across host cities.
This event follows another violent incident on Friday, where police in eastern Germany shot dead an Afghan man who had fatally attacked a compatriot and injured three others during a televised match between Germany and Scotland. The motive for that attack remains unclear.
