Aschaffenburg Attacker Remains a Threat, Court Hears
Aschaffenburg, Germany – The man who stabbed multiple children in Aschaffenburg last month remains a meaningful danger, a judge revealed during recent proceedings, even as his psychiatric care incurs substantial daily costs. the attacker, identified as O., a Bulgarian national with a history of mental illness, injured three children in a park on January 11th, sparking widespread fear and a debate over the handling of individuals with mental health issues who pose a public safety risk.
The case highlights the complex challenges of balancing public safety with the care of the mentally ill, and the financial burden placed on the German healthcare system. The judge noted that returning O. to Bulgaria would have been the most cost-effective solution, given the expense of his ongoing treatment in a German psychiatric hospital – exceeding several hundred euros per day – but emphasized that such a move would not address the underlying risk he poses. The severity of the attack and the attacker’s continued instability underscore the need for thorough and long-term solutions.
According to court statements, the consequences of O.’s actions are devastating. Despite being hospitalized, he is described as a “ticking time bomb.”
Witness Describes Attacker’s Demeanor
Anwohner described the attacker’s expression as “like an animal” in a video released by Bild. The video depicts the aftermath of the attack, capturing the shock and fear of those present.
Source: Jörg Völkerling, Bild, January 23, 2025.