A knife attacker in Germany has killed a two-year-old child and a man while seriously wounding two others in a tragic incident that occurred on Wednesday in Aschaffenburg, a Bavarian city. The assailant, a 28-year-old Afghan man, was arrested at the scene, which police described as a park in the city center where a group of children from a daycare center was targeted (Source SCMP, Source Le Monde).

Details released by the police indicate that the attack took place around 11:45 AM, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Authorities reported that two additional individuals sustained serious injuries and were being treated in a nearby hospital.

Investigations are still ongoing, and police have not yet established a clear motive for the attack. However, reports indicate that the suspect had a history of mental health issues and was living in an asylum center in the area. This troubling incident has reignited debates about public safety and immigration policies in Germany, especially as the country approaches national elections slated for February 23.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced strong concern over why the suspect remained in the country despite previous encounters with law enforcement due to violent behavior. "We need to understand why he was still in Germany," Scholz stated, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability. Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed that the suspect had attempted to obtain asylum but had failed, indicating he should have left Germany last year.

This incident follows a series of high-profile knife attacks in Germany, including a stabbing at an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim last June and a knife spree in Solingen last August, related to Islamist motives. These events have intensified public discourse surrounding immigration and national security. In response to rising concerns, political parties are intensifying their campaigns, pledging to crack down on illegal immigration. The far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), has ramped up its rhetoric, calling for swift action on migration policies.

Following the recent attack, public transport in the area experienced disruptions as police cordoned off the site. Investigators determined that there is no further threat to the public, with the authorities assuring that no other suspects are being sought at this time.

As Germany grapples with these violent incidents, discussions surrounding integration, asylum policies, and community safety are more critical than ever, highlighting a nation confronting the complex realities of its immigration landscape.

For further updates, check the full reports on SCMP and Le Monde.