Police Shoot Ax-Wielding Suspect Threatening Fans at Euro 2024 Parade in Hamburg

German officers opened fire on an unidentified individual wielding an ax and an incendiary device near a soccer fan parade in Hamburg, injuring the suspect. The incident, which comes amid heightened security concerns for EURO 2024, has raised concerns about fan violence and potential terrorist threats.

Police in Germany have reported an incident involving an ax-wielding suspect who threatened officers "with a pickaxe and an incendiary device" near a Euro 2024 fan parade in Hamburg on Sunday. Officers deployed their weapons, injuring the attacker, who received medical attention at the scene.

The incident occurred during the Euro 2024 soccer fan parade, which was taking place hours before the scheduled match between Poland and the Netherlands at the city's Volksparkstadion. Police cordoned off an area near the Reeperbahn entertainment district as they conducted a "major police operation."

Police Shoot Ax-Wielding Suspect Threatening Fans at Euro 2024 Parade in Hamburg

According to police, the suspect exited a bar and began brandishing an ax in a threatening manner. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but he refused, prompting them to open fire and hit him in the leg.

Hamburg Police initially assumed the suspect was a lone perpetrator, but further investigations are underway to determine a possible motive. The incident occurred around the same time as the Dutch fan parade, with nearly 40,000 soccer fans marching through the entertainment district.

Police Shoot Ax-Wielding Suspect Threatening Fans at Euro 2024 Parade in Hamburg

German authorities have heightened security measures during the Euro 2024 tournament, which began last Friday and will run through July 14. Concerns about fan violence and potential terrorist attacks have prompted an increased police presence at stadiums, fan zones, and other key locations.

On Friday, police shot dead a 27-year-old Afghan national who fatally attacked a 23-year-old compatriot with a knife-like object and later wounded three people watching the televised Euro 2024 game between Germany and Scotland in Wolmirstedt. The motive for that attack remains unclear.

Police Shoot Ax-Wielding Suspect Threatening Fans at Euro 2024 Parade in Hamburg

The German Interior Ministry has increased police presence in Saxony-Anhalt, where Wolmirstedt is located, in response to the incident. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals.