BERLIN (AP) — A prominent Berlin politician was violently assaulted and suffered injuries to her head and neck, police said Wednesday, in the latest attack on elected officials that raises concern over rising political violence in Germany.
Frankziska Giffey, the city’s top economic official, a former mayor and an ex-federal minister, was attacked at an event in a Berlin library on Tuesday by a man who approached her from behind and hit her with a bag containing a hard device, police said.
Giffey was taken to a hospital and treated for head and neck pain, police said. Berlin prosecutors said Wednesday morning that they had identified the alleged perpetrator, but did not give details.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner strongly condemned the attack.
“Anyone who attacks politicians is attacking our democracy,” said Wegner, according to German news agency dpa. “We will not tolerate this. We will oppose all forms of violence, hatred and agitation and protect our democracy.”
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: US officials sink Prince Harry's 'vague' plan to trademark Sentebale charity
Wondrous Xinjiang: Xinjiang's mobile bazaar blooms ahead
Public schoolboy smashed skulls of two pupils as they slept and tried to kill teacher at £41,000
Former corrections officer sentenced to 4 years for using excessive force
Moment Israel wipes out top Hezbollah commander in precision airstrike on his car in Lebanon
US health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injections
Jennifer Lopez looks terrified in new trailer for her sci
Fred Sirieix cosies up to his fiancé Fruitcake who wows in a figure
What's in the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by Congress?
Stock market today: Asian shares mixed after calm day on Wall St
Pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly put on injured list by Chicago Cubs