Knife attack in Dresden: Kretschmer and the Saxon authorities remain silent

On Sunday night, a 21-year-old American was the victim of a knife attack on a Dresden tram. He suffered cuts to his face. The incident made headlines not only in Germany but also internationally: The New York Post headlined it "Bloody Hell." A few hours after the attack, the victim, wearing a blood-soaked bandage around his mouth and nose, posted a video in which he said: "If you don't believe Europe, specifically Germany, has an immigration problem, let me tell you something."

He adds that one of those involved will be released from police custody in a few minutes—a situation that is causing confusion on social media and raising questions: How safe are passengers on public transport? And what lessons are the responsible authorities, the Saxon Ministry of the Interior, and Minister-President Michael Kretschmer drawing from the case?

One of the alleged perpetrators is said to have already committed several crimes

Flashback: According to police, female passengers on tram line 7 were allegedly harassed by two men on Sunday night. The 21-year-old American intervened and attempted to mediate the situation. He was apparently stabbed by one of the men. The two alleged attackers fled, but police were able to arrest a suspect, a 21-year-old Syrian named Majd A., near a tram stop shortly afterward.

He fled on an e-scooter and, according to Bild, is known to the police for charges including grievous bodily harm, robbery, and illegal entry. According to police, Majd A. did not carry out the knife attack himself, but initially punched the victim. The severe cuts are attributed to his accomplice, who is still at large.

The arrested Syrian was temporarily taken into custody; however, the public prosecutor's office released him. Senior Public Prosecutor Jürgen Schmidt stated that there were insufficient grounds for detention, as the 21-year-old could not be proven to have committed the knife attack. Furthermore, he has a permanent residence, and there is no risk of escape, obstruction of justice, or repetition.

The Berliner Zeitung asked the Saxon Ministry of the Interior about possible consequences that could be drawn from the case. Press spokesman Martin Strunden stated: "The police investigation into the matter is ongoing. Assessments or conclusions require stable and valid knowledge of the course of events." However, regardless of the crime that occurred on Sunday night, Saxony is committed to clear rules regarding migration.

Saxony's Prime Minister remains silent on the knife attack in Dresden

The Prime Minister of Saxony was also asked for a statement, but so far no response has been received.

The investigations by the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office and the Dresden Police Department are ongoing and, according to the police, will "take some time." For "investigative tactical reasons," the Public Prosecutor's Office and the police are not commenting further on the status of the investigation at this time. They are also refraining from making any further statements at this time.