German authorities said a Syrian suspect was intending “to kill Jews” when he stabbed a tourist in Berlin on Friday, the latest in a string of attacks by refugees and asylum seekers ahead of a crucial election on Sunday.

Polls opened across Germany on Sunday in an election that could shape Europe’s response to the new Trump administration, the Russia-Ukraine war and security across the continent.

Police arrested the suspect, whose hands and trousers were smeared with blood, shortly after the stabbing on Friday evening. He was found to be carrying a prayer rug, a Quran, a note with verses from the Quran dated the previous day,

Alternative for Germany appears to be headed for the strongest showing by a far-right party since World War II in Sunday’s national election and is fielding its first candidate to lead the country.

German voters cast their ballots in Sunday's election, with opposition leader Friedrich Merz claiming victory and Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceding defeat. Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is heading for the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II.