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OtherStudent randomly stabbed to death in Trier; parents demand government action
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In Trier, Germany, a 22-year-old history student was stabbed to death on the street by an Afghan man in an apparently random attack. The victim, identified as the son of Elke and Thomas Dick, both local CDU politicians, was returning from a supermarket when he was attacked with a kitchen knife. Police describe him as a 'random victim' with no prior connection to the perpetrator. The parents have publicly demanded justice and called on the German government to better protect citizens from such attacks, stating 'Something must change in Germany.' The accused fled the scene but was arrested nearby; authorities indicate his criminal responsibility may be impaired. A memorial vigil with about 1,000 people was held at the university, and the victim's former school expressed deep shock. The family is now planning the funeral instead of celebrating the victim's imminent bachelor's degree and planned master's studies.
Source report
Candles stand in Trier at the spot where the student was killed. Source: Harald Tittel/dpa
A 22-year-old student was stabbed to death on the street in Trier by an Afghan peer. Police describe the victim as a "random victim." His parents are now demanding justice and calling on the government to protect citizens from such attacks.
The Attack
The student was killed with a kitchen knife on Wednesday morning while returning from the supermarket. According to police, the perpetrator and victim did not know each other. The accused stabbed the 22-year-old at least twice in the upper body for reasons that remain unknown. Despite immediate resuscitation, the young man died in hospital.
Parents Speak Out
Elke and Thomas Dick have spoken publicly for the first time since the attack. In an interview with Bild, they described their grief and demanded political consequences.
"Something must change in Germany. We no longer feel safe." — Elke and Thomas Dick
Both parents are active in local politics for the CDU. Elke Dick described her son as a "totally open and extroverted person" who "could never have harmed anyone."
The Victim's Future
Shortly before the attack, the student had written his last exam in history at the University of Trier. His bachelor's degree was imminent, and he had planned to begin a master's program in military history in Potsdam.
A Call for Action
Instead of celebrating their son's achievements, the Dick family is now planning his funeral.
"We have lost the dearest thing through this unspeakable crime." — Elke and Thomas Dick
Father Thomas demanded political consequences:
"My son's case must now shake up Germany. I appeal to politicians, to our state and federal government, to protect our citizens from such attacks. I want justice for my son."
Remembrance at the Crime Scene
On Thursday, approximately 1,000 people gathered on Forum Square at the University of Trier for a minute of silence in memory of the murdered student. A condolence book was laid out, with Mayor Wolfram Leibe (SPD) among those signing it. Flowers and candles marked the spot where the attack occurred.
Numerous students mourn on the Forum Square of the University of Trier. The crime took place only a few hundred meters away. Source: Harald Tittel/dpa
School Community in Mourning
The Sickingen-Gymnasium in Landstuhl, where the victim graduated in 2022, also paid tribute to its former student. The school stated:
"That a young person at the beginning of his adult life was torn from life in such a senseless way is hardly expressible in words and touches us deeply as a school community."
The school's thoughts are with the family, friends, and relatives of the deceased.
Perpetrator Details
The accused, who fled the crime scene after the deadly attack, was provisionally arrested shortly afterward in the nearby area. He has lived in Trier for several years. According to authorities, his criminal responsibility is likely impaired.
Source
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Fatal Knife Attack on Student in Trier, Afghan Suspect Arrested