A police officer who was critically injured in a mass stabbing incident in the German city of Mannheim on Friday has tragically passed away, local authorities have confirmed.

The 29-year-old officer was among six individuals wounded in the attack, which also targeted anti-Islam activist Michael Stürzenberger. The assailant, who was promptly apprehended at the scene, inflicted multiple stab wounds to the officer’s head during the assault.

Despite undergoing emergency surgery, the officer succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon, marking a devastating loss for his family, colleagues, and the broader community.

Winfried Kretschmann, the leader of Baden-Württemberg where Mannheim is situated, expressed profound sadness at the news, stating, “This news has shaken me to the core.” He extended heartfelt condolences to the officer’s loved ones and emphasized solidarity with law enforcement personnel facing daily risks.

The incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty, with Kretschmann acknowledging the unpredictable risks they confront regularly.

In a show of unity against violence and hatred, around 800 individuals gathered for a vigil on the square where the attack occurred. Organizers aimed to convey a message of solidarity and opposition to divisive rhetoric.

The stabbing unfolded concurrently with a rally hosted by Michael Stürzenberger, a figure associated with far-right activism. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, authorities have identified the alleged assailant as a 25-year-old Afghan who arrived in Germany in 2014.

Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident, seeking to ascertain the perpetrator’s motives and any potential accomplices. The tragic loss of the police officer has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for vigilance against violence in the community.