16-6-2024 (HAMBURG) Tensions flared in Hamburg today as German police shot an axe-wielding man near a Euro fan zone amidst a peaceful march by Dutch supporters, after he allegedly threatened officers with a firebomb.
Thousands of Dutch fans had gathered to participate in the march when a man brandishing a gold-coloured “double-headed axe” and an “incendiary device” reportedly began threatening an officer, according to eyewitness accounts.
The incident unfolded around 12:30 pm local time in the city’s famed Reeperbahn district, where Netherlands supporters had congregated ahead of their team’s match against Poland later today.
Chaos erupted as four loud bangs rang out, prompting riot police to swiftly seal off the area. Officers initially attempted to disarm the assailant using pepper spray before firing a warning shot.
Ultimately, the axeman was shot by police and fell to the ground. The Polizei Hamburg confirmed he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Dramatic footage captured the tense moments, depicting a man dressed in black, carrying a backpack, and wielding an axe and firebomb as he shouted at armed officers stationed behind a barrier.
After being doused with pepper spray, the assailant turned and fled up the street, narrowly evading panicked bystanders who scrambled across the road. Officers then climbed over the barriers and discharged their weapons, striking the man, who collapsed on the ground.
#German #police shoot axeman near #Euros fan zone during supporters march#Hamburg #Germany #Europe https://t.co/im1LiJFdej pic.twitter.com/NycOUCQqHU
— Shadi Alkasim (@Shadi_Alkasim) June 16, 2024
In a statement shared on X/Twitter, Hamburg police acknowledged the “major police operation” unfolding in the St. Pauli district, stating: “According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device. The police then used their firearms. The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.”
The incident cast a shadow over what had been a relatively peaceful gathering of Dutch fans in Hamburg, with tens of thousands transforming the city’s famed Reeperbahn red light district into a sea of orange on Saturday night.
Despite the overwhelming presence of Dutch supporters, British police had previously noted that the national team’s fans have a better reputation than their club counterparts, who have occasionally brought chaos to club competitions.
