Syrian Man Arrested After Arson Spree in Essen

A 41-year-old Syrian national carried out a series of violent attacks in Essen, Germany, injuring 31 people, including two children in critical condition. The rampage began with arson at two residential buildings, followed by the suspect ramming his vehicle into storefronts and threatening bystanders with a machete. Eyewitnesses reported desperate attempts to rescue individuals from the flames, with children thrown from windows onto cushions below. The police arrested the suspect, who had prior legal issues, just a short distance from the chaos, suffering from burns on his hands. Authorities have stated that initial investigations suggest the attacks may stem from a familial dispute rather than terrorism, despite the suspect's display of a Palestinian flag during the incident. The attack has left the local community on edge as investigations continue into the motives behind this shocking event.