German Police Rule out Terrorism in Munich Knife Attack

German Police Rule out Terrorism in Munich Knife Attack
German police officers guard the site where earlier a man injured several people in a knife attack in Munich, Germany on Oct. 21, 2017. (Reuters)
Reuters
10/21/2017
Updated:
10/21/2017

MUNICH—German police ruled out a political or religious motive behind a knife attack in the city of Munich on Saturday and said a detained man suspected of injuring eight people had mental health problems.

The arrest of the suspect in his 30s brought calm back to the streets of the Bavarian capital after a tense morning. Police had asked residents to stay home until they find the attacker who had fled on a bicycle.

Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae told a news conference that eight people have been lightly injured in the attack and that the suspect was known to police from previous offences, including burglary.

A special German police officer is pictured at the site where earlier a man injured several people in a knife attack in Munich, Germany on Oct. 21, 2017. (Reuters)
A special German police officer is pictured at the site where earlier a man injured several people in a knife attack in Munich, Germany on Oct. 21, 2017. (Reuters)

“We have no indication of a terrorist, political, or religious motive,” Andrae said. “I assume it is to do with a psychological disorder of the perpetrator.”

Police had earlier said they believe the man, who attacked people at several different locations, acted alone.

His victims include a 12-year-old boy and a woman.

By Ayhan Uyanik