A political campaign event turned unexpectedly violent for a German mayoral candidate, Alexander Kebeck, who reports being attacked by individuals dressed as witches.

This bizarre incident took place as Kebeck was walking home from a local carnival in the scenic Black Forest region, leaving him with multiple rib fractures, as the Daily Mail reports.

Kebeck, who is currently campaigning for the mayoral seat in Loßburg, was returning from a carnival event when he experienced an unexpected and severe assault. According to Kebeck, the attack occurred without provocation.

"As I was heading back, a group of six witches ambushed me from behind, striking my back and forcefully knocking me down to the ground," Kebeck recounted to the Bild newspaper.

The assailants were allegedly dressed in costumes reminiscent of the Heimbach-Hexa, a locally known group of carnival participants who dress up as witches. The costumes included hoods, leather aprons, and dark stockings. Interestingly, they did not wear the horned devil masks that are also a part of the traditional attire of this group.

Evoking Local Legend

The Heimbach-Hexa group, inspired by a legend about the Heimbach Witch dating back to 1488, officially denied any involvement in the assault. This folklore involves the mysterious disappearance of raftsmen after an encounter with two witch sisters, adding a mystical element to the local cultural heritage.

A spokesperson for the group expressed their firm stance against violence in a statement to Merkur, "Our association strongly rejects violence, hatred, and incitement. We stand behind the motto for every carnival fool: For everyone's joy, for no one's suffering."

In response to these allegations, the local police have launched an investigation focusing on the suspicion of bodily harm.

This action underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter. The investigation is aimed at uncovering the identities of the perpetrators and understanding the motives behind this unprovoked attack.

Community Reaction and Support

The local community has been shocked by the occurrence, as it contrasts sharply with the traditionally jovial atmosphere of the carnival season. Community members have shown an outpouring of support for Kebeck, who is currently recovering from his injuries.

The Heimbach-Hexa group has pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement to help bring clarity to the incident.

Their cooperation is crucial in determining whether this was a targeted attack against Kebeck due to his political activities, or a misdirected act of aggression by individuals unaffiliated with the official group.

Lessons to Learn

1. Awareness is Crucial: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially during large public events where it is easy to overlook suspicious behavior amidst the chaos.

2. Safety in Numbers: There is safety in numbers. Try to travel in groups, particularly during night-time events or in less populated areas.

3. Engage with Local Security: Inform local event organizers or security personnel if you feel unsafe or notice suspicious activities. They can help ensure that everyone enjoys the event without fear of violence.

Remember, while we can take steps to protect ourselves, crime can strike anyone, anywhere. We must not fall into the trap of victim-blaming but should instead focus on supporting victims and strengthening community safety nets.

Why This Story Matters

This incident holds significance beyond its unusual circumstances. It highlights the potential for violence even in settings meant for community celebration and entertainment. It also stresses the need for vigilance and community solidarity in supporting victims of violence and working toward safer public spaces. The response from both the local community and authorities will set a precedent for handling such unforeseen events in the future.

In conclusion, the assault on Alexander Kebeck not only disrupted his political campaign but also left the community rattled. The ongoing investigation will hopefully uncover the facts behind the attackers' motives and ensure that future festivities are not marred by similar incidents. The full cooperation of the Heimbach-Hexa group with the police highlights the community's overall stance against violence and commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.