Man Shot by Police During Euro 2024 Parade Incident in Hamburg

M10news — In a dramatic incident on Sunday, German police shot a man who threatened officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device near a Euro 2024 soccer fan parade in central Hamburg.

The incident occurred in the St Pauli district as fans prepared for the match between Poland and the Netherlands at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.

The assailant, who was carrying a Molotov cocktail, was injured in the leg and is receiving medical care. His injuries are not life-threatening, according to police spokesperson Sandra Levgruen.

“He apparently tried to set fire to this Molotov cocktail and then approached several people including police officers, and the police officers then had to make use of their firearms,” Levgruen stated.

Authorities have indicated that there is no evidence linking the man to the football tournament, and his motives remain unclear. “We assume that this is an isolated case, that is, disconnected from football… I don’t see any threat at all or any impact on the game today,” Levgruen reassured the public.

German police officers guard a cordoned off area on Silbersackstrasse after an attacker was shot down by police officers in the St Pauli district of Hamburg, Germany. Photo: Reuters/Axel Schmidt

The incident unfolded as fans, particularly Dutch supporters, were marching towards the stadium. Police promptly redirected the fan parade to ensure safety and avoid any disruption to the Euro 2024 event. Despite the scare, the match between Poland and the Netherlands proceeded as scheduled.

Germany’s hosting of the month-long Euro 2024 tournament began on Friday night, with extensive security measures in place to manage the influx of fans and ensure the smooth running of the event.

This incident highlights the vigilance and swift response by Hamburg police to maintain security and public safety during large-scale international events.