New Details Emerge on Syrian Attacker's Motives in German Festival Stabbing
Investigation reveals attacker's claims of temporary insanity, prior extremist views and communication with Islamic State affiliate
A Syrian man, identified as Issa al-Hassan, carried out a stabbing attack at a music festival in Germany, claiming temporary insanity during his interrogation.
However, prior to the attack, he recorded a statement holding a knife, stating his intention to carry out the attack as revenge for 'the Crusaders' massacre in Palestine', and saying 'in the name of God, I will unleash you'.
After his night shift, al-Hassan went to the festival location and sent a photo to his contact in the Islamic State (IS) organization, Abu Farouk, via Telegram.
Abu Farouk advised him on which weapon to use for the attack.
Al-Hassan, who was known for his extremist Islamist views even before arriving in Germany, had become more radicalized following an October incident in which seven people were killed.
He entered Germany on December 25, 2022, after passing through Turkey and Bulgaria, where he attempted to seek asylum but was denied.
On the day of the attack, al-Hassan purchased a set of knives and kept one with a 15cm blade.
Shortly before the attack, he stated 'today I'm going to stab them all!'.
The suspect was later apprehended by security forces after a manhunt lasting nearly a day.
During his interrogation, al-Hassan claimed to have no connection to the Islamic State and that he was manipulated by an unknown individual promising him paradise.
He also cited a musician on stage resembling an Israeli police officer as a trigger for his actions, claiming to have seen visions of dead children in Gaza before stabbing the musician in a fit of rage.
However, prior to the attack, he recorded a statement holding a knife, stating his intention to carry out the attack as revenge for 'the Crusaders' massacre in Palestine', and saying 'in the name of God, I will unleash you'.
After his night shift, al-Hassan went to the festival location and sent a photo to his contact in the Islamic State (IS) organization, Abu Farouk, via Telegram.
Abu Farouk advised him on which weapon to use for the attack.
Al-Hassan, who was known for his extremist Islamist views even before arriving in Germany, had become more radicalized following an October incident in which seven people were killed.
He entered Germany on December 25, 2022, after passing through Turkey and Bulgaria, where he attempted to seek asylum but was denied.
On the day of the attack, al-Hassan purchased a set of knives and kept one with a 15cm blade.
Shortly before the attack, he stated 'today I'm going to stab them all!'.
The suspect was later apprehended by security forces after a manhunt lasting nearly a day.
During his interrogation, al-Hassan claimed to have no connection to the Islamic State and that he was manipulated by an unknown individual promising him paradise.
He also cited a musician on stage resembling an Israeli police officer as a trigger for his actions, claiming to have seen visions of dead children in Gaza before stabbing the musician in a fit of rage.
