In a tense encounter on Sunday, German police in the city of Hamburg shot and wounded a 39-year-old man who was threatening them with a pick hammer and a Molotov cocktail. The incident took place in the downtown St. Pauli area, which was bustling with thousands of fans ahead of the Euro 2024 soccer tournament match between the Netherlands and Poland.

According to a statement by the Hamburg police, officers resorted to gunfire after the man refused to drop the dangerous weapons. He was struck in the leg and later taken to the hospital for treatment, while thankfully no one else was harmed during the incident.

Authorities have stated that there is no indication linking the man's actions to the Euro 2024 game and believe that he may have been suffering from a mental illness. Initial reports mistakenly described the weapon as an axe.

In the wake of recent events, German law enforcement has been placed on high alert throughout the tournament, which began on Friday and will continue until July 14. Security measures have been strengthened to address concerns of potential fan violence and extremist attacks.

Just last Friday, police in eastern Germany were forced to open fire on an Afghan man who had already killed one person and wounded three others while they were watching the Germany vs. Scotland game on television. The motive behind that attack remains uncertain.

As the investigation into the latest incident in Hamburg unfolds, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and security of fans and participants in Euro 2024 matches across Germany.