Mannheim Knife Attacker Confesses and Cites Gaza War as Radicalizing Factor

Sulaiman A., on trial for the 2024 attack that killed a police officer and injured five others, expressed remorse and detailed his path to extremism in court testimony.

Sulaiman A. admitted to the May 2024 knife attack in Mannheim, which killed police officer Rouven Laur and injured five participants of an anti-Islam rally.
In court, he cited the Gaza conflict and exposure to graphic content on Telegram as key factors in his radicalization.
The accused sought approval for the attack from a Telegram contact, who allegedly encouraged him and justified the violence.
Prosecutors allege Sulaiman A. was influenced by Islamic State propaganda and viewed the attack as a religious duty to target perceived non-believers.
The trial, ongoing in Stuttgart, is expected to continue until October 2025, with over 40 sessions planned to examine his motivations and radicalization process.