PRO- REFUGEE MAYOR HAS NECK SLASHED BY KNIFE-WIELDING ATTACKER

GERMANY

The mayor of a small German town said he was happy to be alive after being attacked with a knife Monday night by a man who confronted him over his welcoming stance toward refugees before slashing his neck. The knife attack on Andreas Hollstein, the 54-year-old mayor of Altena, prompted widespread condemnation from officials including Chancellor Angela Merkel. Authorities said the incident appeared motivated by t he man’s hatred of foreigners.

The attacker was identified by authorities as 56- year- old German Werner S., whose name was withheld because of privacy laws.