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Police shoot in Wangen: Afghan asylum seeker dies after knife attack
Police shoot 27-year-old asylum seeker in Wangen, Göppingen, after a knife attack; Officer seriously injured. Investigations are ongoing.
Police shoot in Wangen: Afghan asylum seeker dies after knife attack
A tragic incident occurred today in Wangen, Baden-Württemberg, which brings public safety and the dangers to police officers into focus. A 27-year-old Afghan asylum seeker was shot dead by police after attacking officers with a knife. Despite immediate resuscitation measures, the man died as a result of the gunshot wounds. A police officer was seriously injured by cuts, but his life is not in danger. This reports Mercury.
The scene occurred when the police tried to pick up the asylum seeker at his home address. There was an order to appear against him from the Ulm public prosecutor's office because he was to receive a prison sentence for bodily harm. When the officers arrived, the man pulled out a knife and attacked them. The police then fired several shots, hitting the man several times. However, the exact circumstances of the incident have yet to be determined in detail. The State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has taken over the investigation into the use of firearms, as well World reported.
Increased violence towards the police
The incident sheds light on the increasing violence faced by police officers in Germany. Ralf Kusterer, state chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG), expressed serious concern about the increasing attacks on police officers. This is in line with the latest statistics, which show that in 2025 there were already seven operations involving the use of firearms by the police in Baden-Württemberg. In 2024, police used firearms against people in 13 cases, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries.
The issue of police violence has become more relevant again this week. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) condemned the knife attack and emphasized the risks associated with the police's daily tasks. The police union (GdP) also emphasizes the danger in routine operations. There were three deaths from police shootings in 2020 alone, while the number declined in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Comments on recent incidents make it clear that the potential for violence in confrontations with the police should not be underestimated.
The incident in Wangen led to a large area cordoning off the crime scene, although it was stated that there was never a danger to the surrounding population. This shows the care shown when carrying out police operations, even in dangerous situations.