On Tuesday evening, 23 April 2024, the University of Mannheim was the scene of a major police operation. A man armed with a machete was found in areas of the Ostflügel, whereupon the police were called to the scene. When the forces arrived, they were threatened and, in the further course, the perpetrator was subdued by the use of firearms. The man was immediately taken to hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.
Neither members nor guests of the university were injured. There is no longer any danger.
University members who were affected by the incident were immediately given psychological first aid on site by police officers. The State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has taken over investigations.
“We are deeply saddened by this terrible incident on our university campus and still have to come to terms with what has happened. Our sincere thanks go to the police and emergency services, who were on the scene incredibly quickly and thus prevented the worst from happening. Our thoughts are with those affected, who had to witness the incident at close quarters, and with the relatives of the perpetrator,” said Professor Thomas Puhl, President of the University of Mannheim. “In the next few days, we will support the police in their investigations and address the incident from our perspective as a university. We are currently working on ways to offer further psychological counseling to those affected.”
Teaching and university operations will continue with a few restrictions. Parts of the Ostflügel are currently closed to the public as investigations continue.
If you feel you need psychological support, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Georg Alpers at the Otto Selz Institute (0621 181-3489).