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.
Witnesses alerted police shortly after 9.30 p.m. local time to an unknown perpetrator having wounded several people with a knife on a central square, the Fronhof. Police said that the perpetrator was on the run, and that they so far had only very thin information on the assailant.
They said they believe the stabbings were carried out by a lone attacker. One of the festival organizers, Philipp Müller, appeared on stage and asked festivalgoers to “go calmly; please keep your eyes open, because unfortunately the perpetrator hasn’t been caught.” He said many people had been wounded by “a knifeman.”
The German news agency dpa cited unidentified police sources as saying the weapon was believed to be a knife and no one had yet been arrested. The attack happened on a central square, the Fronhof.
The “Festival of Diversity,” marking the city’s 650th anniversary, began on Friday and was supposed to run through Sunday, with several stages in central streets offering attractions such as live music, cabaret and acrobatics.
Solingen has about 160,000 inhabitants. Germany’s top security official, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, recently proposed toughening weapons laws to allow only knives with a blade measuring up to 6 centimeters, nearly 2.4 inches, to be carried in public, rather than the length of 12 centimeters which is allowed now.
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.
Aftermath of the Attack
Following the attack, the festival was cancelled and the city of Solingen was plunged into a state of shock and grief.
The attack has also sparked a renewed debate about knife violence in Germany. In May, a knife attack by an Afghan immigrant on members of a group that describes itself as opposing “political Islam” left a police officer dead.
Germany’s top security official, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, this month proposed toughening weapons laws to allow only knives with a blade measuring up to 6 centimeters (nearly 2.4 inches) to be carried in public, rather than the length of 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) which is allowed now.
The Search for the Suspect
Police have launched a major manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to be a lone attacker. They have deployed a large contingent of officers, including a helicopter, to search for the assailant.
The suspect is described as a man of unknown origin. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The City’s Response
The city of Solingen has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families. Mayor Tim Kurzbach has called the attack “a terrible sight” and has asked residents to pray for the victims and their families.
A City in Mourning
The attack has left the city of Solingen in a state of mourning. The “Festival of Diversity” was meant to be a celebration of the city’s history and culture, but it has now become a symbol of tragedy.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
