A manhunt is underway after three people were killed and four severely injured during a stabbing attack at a festival in the western German city of Solingen, police told CNN. The attack took place in a square during the “Festival of Diversity” on Friday, a three-day event marking the 650th anniversary of the city’s founding. Police say the attack occurred close to the stage while a musical act was performing at the festival.

The suspect is on the run, said German police during a press conference. Special police forces have been deployed to the active manhunt, police added.

Herbert Reul, the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, also expressed his shock in a televised statement, adding that “none of us know why this happened. I can’t say anything about the motive, about the person.”

During a press conference, a police spokesperson said their “current assessment is that this was a deliberate attack.” Asked by reporters whether this was a terror attack, however, the spokesperson cautioned, “That would just be speculation. I can’t say that at the moment.”

Images and footage from the scene showed several ambulances and police officers, as well as a helicopter flying overhead.

Police services are utilizing all available resources, including personnel and vehicles, and a large-scale manhunt is underway, the spokesperson added.

“This evening, all of us in Solingen are experiencing shock, horror, and great sadness,” the city’s mayor, Tim Kurzbach, wrote on Solingen’s Facebook page.

“We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured.”

The mayor sent his prayers to the victims fighting for their lives and thanked the rescue and security personnel for their help. “I ask you, if you believe, pray with me and, if not, then hope with me,” he said.

According to the festival’s website, Friday was the start of the three-day “Festival of Diversity,” which would include music, food, performances, and family-friendly entertainment.

Bergisch Symphony Orchestra, the shared orchestra for the cities of Solingen and Remscheid, was scheduled to play on the main stage on Friday.

The Suspect's Actions

The attack, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. local time, unfolded in front of a large crowd gathered for the festival. Witnesses described the assailant as a lone attacker who moved through the festivalgoers, stabbing them at random.

The weapon was believed to be a knife. A local news agency reported that the weapon was believed to be a knife.

Photos from the incident showed police standing guard near the town center and ambulances at the scene.

Reactions to the Attack

In a translated social media post, the city’s mayor, Tim Kurzbach, said that they are in “shock” following the attack. 

“Tonight we are all in Solingen in shock, fright and great sadness,” he wrote. “We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and injured. Breaks my heart that there was an assassination attack on our town.”

The mayor sent his prayers to the victims fighting for their lives and thanked emergency personnel. “I ask you, if you believe, pray with me and, if not, then hope with me,” he wrote.

The Aftermath and Investigation

The city canceled the remainder of the festival following the attack. The police are continuing their investigation and are calling for anyone with information to come forward.

The attack has shaken the community of Solingen, which is known for its diversity and welcoming atmosphere.

A Call to Action

The tragedy in Solingen has highlighted the ongoing issue of knife crime in Germany. German police are on high alert, and the government is considering new laws to restrict the ownership of knives.

The events in Solingen serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of unity in the face of violence.