A Kosovar teenage jihadist who allegedly wanted to kill "as many Jewish people as possible" was charged with three counts of attempted murder for attacking his teacher, a janitor, and a stranger near a synagogue, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office announced on Monday.
Identified only as Erjon S, the juvenile suspect was charged with assault, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest, in addition to three attempted murder charges on March 31.
The teenage Islamist allegedly resolved to engage in jihad against "perceived infidels" in Essen, targeting a janitor he knew and his teacher as victims. He allegedly intended to kill as many Jews as he could afterwards.
In September, the teenager allegedly armed himself with a knife and went to an elementary school, where he punched and sprayed the janitor with pepper spray. The attacker was unable to use the knife because the victim reportedly defended himself.
After the first assault, Erjon allegedly attacked a teacher at his vocational college, stabbing her multiple times in the upper body.
Erjon then allegedly attended the Old Synagogue in Essen twice, but could not find any Jews, so he stabbed a stranger in the back.
Suspect attempts to assault police, is shot
Attempting to commit suicide by cop and to achieve martyrdom, Erjon allegedly ran towards police officers while brandishing his knife, and was shot in the face.
All the accused's victims survived, but suffered serious injuries.
Erjon was arrested, and the case was taken over by the Federal Prosecutor's Office from the Essen Public Prosecutor's Office. According to Reuters, the federal office assumes jurisdiction when there is a national security component to a crime.