A 28-year-old Afghan national has been arrested following a brutal stabbing spree targeting a group of daycare children and their teachers in Schöntal Park, an idyllic green space in the Bavarian town of Aschaffenburg.
Authorities have confirmed to local news outlet Main Echo that a 2-year-old child died from multiple stab wounds while a 41-year-old man who attempted to intervene during the attack was also killed.
Two others sustained serious injuries, including a second child currently being operated on at the Aschaffenburg Clinic.
According to initial reports, the suspect followed a group of young children and their teachers from a local daycare as they walked through the park around 11:45 a.m. Sensing a threat, the teachers reportedly tried to leave the area, but the attacker launched his assault with a knife, seemingly targeting the children.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the park and moved in to apprehend the suspect, who attempted to flee across the train tracks near the southern station. Witnesses described officers leading the suspect away in a headlock.
Earlier reports suggested there were two arrests, but police later clarified that the second person was a witness being questioned.
The murder weapon has since been recovered, and forensic teams remain on-site amid an ongoing investigation.
While authorities have not confirmed any links to terrorism, they have not ruled it out.
Bild reported that the nature of the attack has left both witnesses and emergency responders deeply shaken, with several police officers on the scene requiring psychological counseling.
The daycare teachers involved are also receiving trauma support, and the remaining children have been safely reunited with their families.
While known for its serene landscape, Schöntal Park has been classified as a “dangerous place” by authorities in recent months due to a spike in crime, in particular robbery and drug-related violence. Frequent police patrols in the area may have contributed to the suspect’s swift arrest.
