A two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man were fatally stabbed in a park in Aschaffenburg, Germany, after a knife attack allegedly carried out by a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker. The suspect, reportedly with a history of mental health issues, targeted a daycare group during an outing, injuring two others, including a child, who are now hospitalized.

The suspect, Enamullah O., was apprehended near the scene, and authorities confirmed his asylum request had been closed, with orders to leave Germany issued earlier this month. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann criticized the system that allowed the suspect to remain in the country.

The motive remains unclear, but witnesses reported that the man appeared to target children specifically. The attack prompted widespread condemnation, with Bavarian Governor Markus Söder mourning the victims and calling the act “cowardly and despicable.” Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed condolences to the families, pledging a thorough investigation.

Schöntal Park, previously flagged as a high-crime area, was quickly cordoned off, and police seized the knife used in the attack. Investigations continue, with authorities urging witnesses to provide evidence.