Man Shot by Police Near Hamburg Fan Zone After Axe Attack

Chaos 

erupted near a Euro fanzone in Hamburg when a man wielding an axe attacked officers and threatened football fans.

Police intervened and shot the assailant, closing off the Reeperbahn strip, close to where thousands of Dutch supporters had gathered to watch their team play against Poland. Around 40,000 Dutch fans were peacefully marching along the popular amusement area at approximately 12:30 PM when the attacker began causing havoc in the middle of the crowd.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing four loud bangs as several riot police officers moved in to handle the situation. The attacker, who was reportedly armed with a gold-colored axe, also had an "incendiary device" on him, according to Hamburg Police.

Initial attempts to subdue the man involved the use of pepper spray. When this proved ineffective, officers fired a warning shot followed by several rounds, ultimately bringing the attacker down.

A statement from Hamburg Police on Twitter read: "There is currently a major police operation in #StPauli. According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device. The officers then used their firearms. The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment."

Why This Matters: This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced during large public events and the swift response required by law enforcement to ensure public safety. It underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in handling potential threats in crowded areas.

Key Takeaways

• An axe-wielding man attacked officers near a Euro fanzone in Hamburg.
• Police shot the assailant, who was also carrying an incendiary device.
• Approximately 40,000 Dutch fans were present in the area.
• Pepper spray was initially used before officers resorted to firearms.
• The attacker is currently receiving medical treatment.

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