Euro Desk Hamburg, Delhi Magazine: – On Sunday, Hamburg police shot a man armed with a pickaxe and an incendiary device in the fanzone of the city, just hours before the Euro 2024 match between Poland and the Netherlands. Initially reported dead by the German press, the suspect is now confirmed to be hospitalized under police surveillance.
Incident Details
The Hamburg police released a statement detailing the incident, which occurred around midday in a crowded area designated for fans. According to the statement, the individual posed a direct threat to the police, leading to the use of firearms.
“A person threatened the police with an axe and an incendiary device. The police therefore used firearms. The attacker was injured and is receiving medical treatment,” the statement read.
Police Response
Efforts to subdue the attacker began with the use of pepper spray, which proved ineffective. The situation escalated, resulting in the police firing several shots until the suspect was incapacitated.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
Following the incident, the fanzone was evacuated, and the fans present were relocated to another area by the authorities to ensure their safety. The swift response by the police aimed to prevent any potential harm to the public.
Despite the disruption, the match between Poland and the Netherlands proceeded as scheduled. Substitute Wout Weghorst secured a late 2-1 victory for the Netherlands. The Burnley striker, known for his performance at the 2022 World Cup, once again delivered a crucial performance, overcoming Poland’s defensive efforts in the absence of their injured star striker, Robert Lewandowski.