Police Face Investigation Over Mishandling of Prior Incident Involving Aschaffenburg Suspect

Authorities probe why no action was taken after a 2024 altercation involving the suspect, months before a fatal knife attack in January 2025.

The suspect in the January 2025 Aschaffenburg knife attack, which killed two people, had a history of violent behavior and prior police encounters.
In August 2024, the suspect was detained following an aggressive altercation at a refugee shelter, but no charges were pursued at the time.
The suspect's former partner, later revealed as a victim of a knife attack during the 2024 incident, disclosed this information only after the January killings.
Authorities are investigating whether police officers failed to act appropriately during the 2024 incident, with potential charges of obstruction of justice being considered.
The case has intensified debates on asylum policies in Germany, influencing the ongoing Bundestag election campaign and calls for stricter measures.