A dramatic scene unfolded in Hamburg, Germany on Sunday as a man wielding an ax on a street crowded with soccer fans was shot by police just hours before a European Championship game was set to take place in the city.
The man, who was armed with a pickax and an incendiary device, threatened police officers in Hamburg’s entertainment district, known as the Reeperbahn, which was bustling with fans awaiting the Netherlands vs. Poland match. Despite warnings from the police, the man did not respond and was ultimately shot by officers.
Fortunately, no fans or police officers were injured in the incident, but the man was injured and is currently being treated. Videos of the confrontation show the man, dressed in all black, brandishing the ax and firebomb as he approached a group of police officers.
The sudden gunshots rang out as the man attempted to flee, causing chaos among the fans who scattered in fear. The shooting, captured in several videos posted online, disrupted the festive atmosphere of the lunchtime crowd gathered for the game.
The incident occurred just a short distance from the official fan zone and the stadium where the match was scheduled to take place, adding an element of shock and tension to the already high-energy event. Police quickly cordoned off the area and made announcements to clear the scene.
The shooting took place on the third day of the European Championship tournament, a highly anticipated event that brings together the best teams from across the continent every four years. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of fans during major sporting events.
