Three people were killed and eight others seriously wounded in a stabbing attack on Friday night at Solingen festival, a city in west Germany. A whole police department is running investigations to find the culprit. However, the real criminal is still at large.
A joyous celebration turned tragic on Friday night when a knife attack claimed the lives of three people and injured eight others at a Solingen festival, a city in western Germany. The event was part of the city’s 650th-anniversary celebrations. The jubilant event had drawn thousands of attendees to the central Fronhof market square.
The attack occurred around 9:40 p.m. local time near a live music stage. Witnesses reported seeing a lone male assailant randomly stabbing people in the crowd before fleeing the scene. Among the deceased are two men and one woman. Five of the injured people are under intensive care due to deep injuries.
Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, providing medical assistance and securing the area. Police have launched a massive manhunt for the attacker. The department also deployed a large number of officers and a helicopter to aid in the search. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity but cautioned against taking action themselves. As of now, no details about the attacker’s identity or possible motive have been released.
Condolences
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and emphasized the importance of bringing the perpetrator to justice swiftly. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the “brutal attack” and assured that security forces are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and uncover the reasons behind this horrific act.
Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach shared his grief, stating, “It breaks my heart that there was an attack on our city. We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together, and now we mourn those we have lost.” He also extended his thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Such types of events are rather uncomment in Germany. In light of the tragedy, festival organizers have canceled the remaining events planned for the weekend. The incident has reignited discussions about public safety and knife violence in Germany, with officials calling for renewed efforts to address and prevent such attacks.
The community of Solingen now grapples with the aftermath of this senseless violence, mourning the victims while hoping for swift justice and healing.