Germany: Right-wing extremist attacks Altena mayor November 27

Event

A suspected right-wing extremist stabbed the mayor of Altena (North Rhine-Westphalia state) in the town on the evening of Monday, November 27. The assailant - who stabbed the mayor in the neck with a knife after shouting criticism of his pro-refugee policies - is now in custody. The mayor was treated and released from the hospital shortly after the attack, according to media reports published Tuesday.

Context

German authorities have recorded an uptick in the number of potentially violent right-wing extremists in the country in recent years: some 12,100 known right-wing extremists in the country were considered "violence-prone" in 2016, compared to 11,800 in 2015.

Advice

Individuals in Germany are advised to maintain a high degree of situational awareness at all times and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.