Deadly Attack at Solingen Festival: Suspect on the Run
In Germany, an attacker killed three people and wounded several others during a Friday evening festival in Solingen. The suspect used a knife to randomly target people at a central square, about 25 kilometers from Dusseldorf. Police confirmed that eight individuals were wounded, with five suffering serious injuries.
Manhunt Underway
The suspect, a lone male, remained at large on Saturday morning. Special forces are actively searching for him, while police urged locals to stay cautious. Authorities currently lack detailed information about the attacker. Police spokesperson Alexander Kresta described this absence of information as a “huge problem.” German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle shared Kresta’s concerns.
No Clear Motive Yet
As of now, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. When asked if it was a terror-related incident, a police representative refused to speculate. The attack occurred during the “Festival of Diversity,” a three-day event celebrating the 650th anniversary of Solingen. The violence erupted near the stage where a musical act was in progress.
Eyewitness Accounts
Lars Breitzke, an eyewitness, described the chaotic scene. Speaking to the Solinger Tageblatt, Breitzke said he noticed the singer’s troubled expression before someone collapsed just meters away. DJ Topic, who was performing nearby, shared on Instagram that he was asked to continue playing to prevent mass panic. He and others later took shelter in a nearby store as helicopters circled above.
Leaders Condemn the Attack
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, calling it a “terrible event” on social media platform X. He expressed deep sadness over the brutal killings. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser assured the public that authorities are working tirelessly to catch the perpetrator and uncover the motive behind the attack.
City of Solingen in Mourning
Tim Kurzbach, the mayor of Solingen, expressed his sorrow. He said, “We wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together, but now we mourn the dead and injured.” Images from the scene captured ambulances, police officers, and a helicopter hovering over the festival area.
Rising Knife Crime in Germany
This attack highlights Germany’s rising knife crime problem. Recent police data showed 8,951 incidents of serious knife-related violence in 2023, a significant increase from the previous year. Interior Minister Faeser has called for stricter laws to address this growing issue.
The “Festival of Diversity” was set to feature music, food, and family-friendly entertainment. The Bergisch Symphony Orchestra was scheduled to perform on the festival’s main stage on Friday before the tragedy unfolded.