German Prosecutors Investigating Alleged Assault of Far-Right AfD Leader at Election Rally

Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was hospitalized after an alleged assault at an election rally in Bavaria, according to German prosecutors. Chrupalla was scheduled to speak at the rally but was given medical treatment and taken to a hospital shortly before his appearance.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Ingolstadt, with little information available about the exact nature of the assault. However, witnesses reported that several people took selfies with Chrupalla, leading to "slight physical contact," according to a joint statement by German prosecutors and police. It is important to note that there are currently no indications that Chrupalla was deliberately attacked.

As Chrupalla approached the stage, he reportedly experienced pain in his upper arm, prompting him to seek medical care. Authorities released a statement stating that superficial redness and swelling were detected, but all initial tests yielded normal results. The investigation is still ongoing, with further blood tests, examination of Chrupalla's clothing, analysis of video and photos, and witness questioning expected.

In response to the incident, the AfD released a statement confirming that Chrupalla had left Ingolstadt and would continue receiving medical treatment. As a result, all scheduled election campaign meetings in Bavaria were canceled. Chrupalla, 48, has been one of the party's co-leaders since 2019, alongside Alice Weidel.

The AfD, founded in 2013, initially focused on opposing eurozone rescue packages. However, it gained significant popularity following the 2015 refugee crisis and entered Germany's national parliament in 2017. Recent national polls have placed the party in second place, with support around the 20% mark, indicating a significant increase from the 10.3% it received in the last federal election in 2021. The party's rise has been fueled by renewed concerns about migration, dissatisfaction with the government's climate and energy policies, and high inflation.

Authorities are urging individuals who captured photos and videos of the event to come forward and provide them to the police, as they seek to establish a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident.