Germany's Mannheim marks anniversary of policeman stabbed to death

The city of Mannheim in south-western Germany commemorated slain police officer Rouven Laur on Saturday in the market square where he was killed in a knife attack one year ago.

Regional Interior Minister Thomas Strobl, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Mannheim Mayor Christian Specht unveiled a memorial plaque commemorating the events of May 31, 2024. A plaque in memory of the 29-year-old police officer was also presented.

"Anyone who attacks our police officers attacks the rule of law and ultimately all of us," Strobl stressed in his remarks. It is necessary to protect those who protect society, he added.

"We pause to remember an exemplary and courageous police officer who gave his life in the service of our society," Mayor Specht said.

"The market square, the scene of the crime, has become a place of silent remembrance – embedded in the heart of our city," Specht added.

Officer's family speaks out

Laur's family also spoke through the mayor. The relatives hoped that the 29-year-old's death would not have been in vain. Ultimately, it is not knives that kill people, but the people who choose to use them to commit violence, they said.

A total of 1,500 people were on hand for an interfaith peace prayer.

Local clergy from the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches as well as from the Jewish, Muslim and Alevite communities took part in the service.

Trial launched in February

The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is convinced that the now 26-year-old suspected Islamist perpetrator identified as Sulaiman A injured six people with a knife in the attack in Mannheim, namely five participants in a rally organized by the anti-Islam Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE) and Laur.

The police officer succumbed to his serious injuries two days later.

The trial of the alleged Islamist, who is charged with murder and attempted murder, has been taking place at the Stuttgart Higher Regional Court since February.

Pax Europa had initially registered their own vigil for Saturday in Mannheim. Registration for the event was withdrawn, however, municipal officials said.