Regensburg Knife Attack: Suspect Transferred to Psychiatric Hospital

Expert opinion finds indications of mental illness

An expert opinion provided indications that the 20-year-old German man may have had at least diminished criminal responsibility during the attack at a bank branch due to a psychiatric illness, and that his criminal responsibility was "at least substantially diminished." Complete lack of criminal responsibility is conceivable. The Public Prosecutor's Office also stated that it cannot be ruled out that the man was completely lacking in criminal responsibility.

The man is alleged to have entered a bank branch in western Regensburg on Thursday with a kitchen knife and presented an employee with a note demanding money. A few seconds later, he is alleged to have stabbed the bank employee multiple times with the knife; the employee later died from his injuries.

Large police operation at the crime scene

Also because other people were initially still in the building with the alleged attacker, hundreds of police officers along with special forces were deployed for hours until the 20-year-old was apprehended.

At a press conference by police and the Public Prosecutor's Office the day after the crime, investigators initially said there were no indications of a mental illness on the part of the suspect. The Public Prosecutor's Office now referred to the newly obtained specialist medical opinion.

Presumption of innocence and further investigations

According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, he has not yet commented on the allegations. The presumption of innocence applies until a final judgment is reached.

The extent to which the man was actually criminally responsible during the fatal attack and what role a mental illness may have played will be assessed by a court if the case goes to trial, it was stated. The investigations are ongoing.