In a disturbing incident that underscores a growing trend of violence against politicians in Germany, Berlin senator Franziska Giffey was attacked while visiting a library in her district on Tuesday. The assailant, identified as a 74-year-old male, struck Giffey over the head and neck with a bag containing hard materials, according to the Berlin prosecutor's office.

Giffey, who previously served as Berlin's mayor, recounted the harrowing moment on Instagram, describing the sudden impact from behind. Investigations into the motive for the attack are still ongoing, but authorities revealed that the suspect has previously faced charges related to state security and hate crimes, with indications that he may also be mentally ill.

"The accused is to be brought before an investigating judge today. As there are indications that the accused is mentally ill, the Berlin public prosecutor's office is to obtain an order to place him in a psychiatric hospital," stated the prosecutor's office.

This incident comes on the heels of another violent attack on a politician in Dresden, eastern Germany. A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the European Parliament was seriously injured in that assault. Furthermore, a female Green party politician in Dresden was also targeted, as two individuals attacked her while she was putting up posters.

Expressing concern for the spate of assaults, Senator Giffey condemned the "growing 'wild-animal culture'" that subjects politically active individuals to attacks that are purportedly justified and acceptable. Chancellor Scholz labeled the attacks on Giffey and other politicians as "outrageous and cowardly."

The Green party in Saxony, where the second attack occurred, asserted that its members would not be intimidated and would continue their campaigning efforts. They also pledged to support a draft law aimed at bolstering legislation to protect politicians from such assaults.

In response to these distressing incidents, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to social media, emphasizing the need to safeguard all those who stand up for democracy, regardless of party affiliation.

Efforts to address the rising violence against politicians are now underway, with calls for enhanced legislation and protection measures to ensure the safety of those in the political arena.