These searches included inquiries about webcams in Mannheim's market square, suggesting possible foreign involvement in the attack.

The ministry is specifically examining indications of foreign control and financing behind recent attacks, emphasizing the seriousness of these leads.

Green Party politician Konstantin von Notz has stressed the importance of analyzing digital traces to uncover the truth behind these incidents, particularly given the increase in attacks before elections.

German security authorities are looking into potential foreign influence in several attacks that occurred in Germany last year, with earlier reports suggesting Russian agents may have sought to influence elections.

The attack in Mannheim, which resulted in serious injuries to Stürzenberger and the death of a police officer, has drawn scrutiny due to its timing just before the European elections.

While the interior ministry has not confirmed the ZDF report's claims, they are taking the allegations of foreign influence seriously, stating there are currently no clear indications of such involvement.

These developments align with prior reports of Russian online research into fire safety protocols at a Berlin defense factory just before a suspected sabotage incident.

Former BND employee Gerhard Conrad has cautioned against dismissing potential foreign influence, linking such incidents to hybrid warfare tactics.

Investigations are currently focused on whether there was any foreign funding or orchestration behind the attacks, although no definitive evidence has emerged yet.

The Mannheim attack, carried out by a 26-year-old Afghan man, targeted anti-Islam activist Michael Stürzenberger and resulted in the death of a police officer.

A recent report by ZDF TV has raised alarms about suspicious internet searches from Russia prior to a deadly knife attack in Mannheim that occurred in May 2024.

In response to these findings, a spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of the Interior announced on April 7, 2025, that they are taking allegations of foreign influence very seriously and are conducting thorough investigations.