62-year-old Vietnamese man subdues troublemaker on German street

Mr. Van Long Hoang was praised on German social networks for restraining a young man who threatened passersby in the city of Wurzburg.

A 26-year-old German of Syrian origin brandished a knife and threatened people on the street in Barbarossaplatz, Wurzburg, on June 30. When three police officers arrived, the man dropped the knife, but he brandished a black bag in a threatening manner.

Three police officers surrounded the young man, intending to use pepper spray but did not approach him. Van Long Hoang, 62, rushed from the fast food restaurant where he worked and held the young man from behind. With his help, the three officers quickly subdued the young man. Onlookers clapped and cheered.

Mr. Van Long Hoang. Photo: Augsburger Allgemeine

A video of Mr. Long's bravery is quickly spreading across German social media, Bild reported on July 4. The newspaper said Mr. Long is Vietnamese and has lived in Germany for 40 years and called him "the hero of Wurzburg".

"Many people came here to thank me. I cannot stand idly by in the face of such things and do not want to witness a tragedy like two years ago," Mr. Long recalled the stabbing incident in a German department store in June 2021 that left three people dead.

Mr. Long said he had practiced Taekwondo since he was a child and was not afraid of young people. Police spokesman Maximilian Basser thanked Mr. Long for his help.

The young man of Syrian origin was taken to hospital by police on suspicion of mental illness. Police are investigating further.

Many online users gave the fast food restaurant where Mr. Long worked five stars. “It’s safe to eat here,” one person wrote. “Justice is on the menu,” another commented.

Vnexpress.net