Syrian Man Arrested in Essen After Arson, Machete, and Van Attacks Injure 31, Including 8 Children

Sep 29, 2024, 08:51 AM

Authorities in Essen, Germany, have detained a 41-year-old Syrian man suspected of carrying out a series of arson attacks, assaults, and property damage on Saturday evening. The suspect allegedly set fires at multiple residential buildings, resulting in injuries to around 31 people, including eight children who are in critical condition. He is also accused of chasing passers-by with a machete, crashing his van into several shops, and was reportedly wearing a keffiyeh and a Palestinian flag scarf during the attacks. Emergency services were dispatched to three locations to respond to the incidents. The motives behind the attacks remain under investigation.