The knife attack on Andreas Hollstein, the 54-year-old mayor of Altena in western Germany, prompted widespread shock and condemnation from officials including German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Authorities said the incident Monday night appeared to be motivated by the man’s hatred of foreigners. “I’m shocked by the knife attack on mayor Andreas Hollstein — and very relieved that he is back with his family,” Merkel said. “Thanks also to those who helped him.”The attacker was identified by authorities as 56-year-old German Werner S., whose full name was withheld because of German privacy laws. “I feared for my life,” he said adding that it appeared the man had intentionally chosen him as a victim.

Source: Egypt Independent November 29, 2017 08:48 UTC