People mourn the victims of Friday’s fatal stabbing attack.Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images.German Police Yet to Identify Attacker After Fatal Stabbing at Festival
German police are still trying to identify the attacker who stabbed three people to death during a festival in Solingen on Friday, August 23, 2024. The attack took place during the city’s “Festival of Diversity,” an event meant to celebrate the 650th anniversary of Solingen. Crowds had gathered for music and performances, unaware of the violence about to unfold.
The attack occurred near the main stage, where a musical act was performing. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. One witness, Lars Breitzke, said the attacker was just meters away from him when a person suddenly collapsed. People realized something was wrong when the singer’s expression changed, and panic began to spread.
According to local reports, the suspect, still unidentified, specifically targeted the necks of the victims. Two men aged 67 and 56, and a woman aged 56 were killed. Eight others were injured, with four suffering life-threatening wounds.
German DJ Topic, who was performing nearby, shared on social media that he was asked to keep playing to prevent panic. Police helicopters hovered overhead as people sought safety in nearby stores.
Despite arresting a 15-year-old boy on Saturday, authorities clarified that he was not the primary suspect. A second arrest was made later that day, but the connection to the incident remains unclear. The suspect, believed to be a lone male, is still on the run. Police have been conducting a manhunt, deploying special forces across the state of North Rhine Westphalia.
Authorities are urging locals in Solingen to stay cautious while the investigation continues. The motive behind the attack has not yet been determined, but terrorism has not been ruled out. Although the Islamic State claimed responsibility, they provided no evidence to support the claim.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves across Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his horror and sadness over the attack, calling it a “terrible event.” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reassured the public that the authorities are working tirelessly to apprehend the attacker.
The city’s mayor, Tim Kurzbach, shared his sorrow on Solingen’s Facebook page, saying, “We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and injured.”
This incident has added to growing concerns over knife crime in Germany. The country’s Interior Ministry recently proposed stricter laws to combat the rise in knife attacks. Data shows that knife crimes leading to serious injury rose in Germany last year, with nearly 9,000 cases reported in 2023.
As the manhunt continues, the people of Solingen remain on edge, hoping for answers and justice soon.
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