Authorities are currently searching for the perpetrator in Solingen.
An unidentified individual went on a rampage with a knife on a Friday night around 9:40 PM, as per reports. The authorities are still on the hunt for the assailant, deploying a large number of officers and specialized units in the Solingen city center. Both victims and eyewitnesses are being questioned to help identify the attacker.
The violent incident occurred during a city celebration marking Solingen's 650th anniversary, titled "Festival of Diversity". In response, the police quickly assembled a large number of officers and special units in the Solingen city center.
The event is being categorized as an "attack", according to a police spokesperson in Düsseldorf. The spokesperson contradicts initial media reports that label the incident as a "terror attack". The spokesperson did not offer any comment on rumors that the attacker spoke Arabic.
The authorities are soliciting the public's assistance. Any information or leads regarding the incident or the suspect, as well as relevant images or videos, can be submitted via the police's tip portal (https://nrw.hinweisportal.de/).
Several law enforcement officers are currently involved in the manhunt for the suspected attacker. Solingen police also received backup from other regions in North Rhine-Westphalia, as reported by the spokesperson. The crime scene has been secured, with heavily armed officers and forensic investigators in white protective suits visible, as detailed by an AFP photographer.
Prior to the official statement on the number of casualties, Solingen's mayor Tim Kurzbach (SPD) announced on the city's Facebook page that there were "nine victims with injuries", and several were still battling for their lives. "Tonight, we are all in shock, horrified, and filled with deep sadness in Solingen," Kurzbach wrote. "It pains me that our city has become the target of such an attack."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) also expressed his shock. "An act of brutal and senseless violence has struck our land to its core," he wrote on X. "All of North Rhine-Westphalia stands with Solingen, particularly with the victims and their families." He expresses his heartfelt gratitude to "the numerous emergency services and our police, who are working tirelessly to save lives in these moments."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) visited the crime scene during the night. The attacker reportedly "launched a random attack without warning", Reul said on the news channel ntv. He could not yet comment on the motive or the suspect. Visibly moved, Reul described the incident as a "very serious situation".
The "Solinger Tageblatt" reported that one of the festival organizers stepped onto the stage following the attack to announce the festival's cancellation on the Fronhof, a market square in Solingen's city center. He stated that the emergency services were fighting to save the lives of nine individuals. Festival attendees were instructed to leave the Solingen city center.
The WDR reported that the police had sounded the alarm. Helicopters were in the air, "checkpoints throughout the city", and the situation remained unclear.
The police are searching for the individual responsible for the attack, referred to as the perpetrator. According to the Solingen's mayor, Tim Kurzbach, there were nine victims with injuries.
