Discussion on the prohibition of knives following the fatal incident in Solingen
The SPD is pushing for a considerable strengthening of knife laws. In response to the suspected terrorist incident, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil told "Bild am Sonntag" that "Germany has an issue with knife-related violence." He supports a near-total prohibition on carrying knives in public, stating, "I fail to comprehend why individuals should carry stabbing instruments as part of their daily routine."
Klingbeil further emphasized the need to "eliminate knives from Germany's streets and public spaces." He advocates for prompt and decisive action, including "significantly expanding knife prohibitions."
SPD party member Dirk Wiese shared similar views, urging for "progress in knife prohibitions," as reported by the "Rheinische Post". Wiese also advocates for enhanced powers for the security services to identify potential perpetrators, particularly in digital spaces.
Wiese had previously suggested a complete ban on carrying knives in public. He believes this ban should be openly discussed, as reported by the "Rheinische Post".
Faeser had announced before the attack in Solingen that she would soon present a bill to expand knife prohibitions. This move follows several violent crimes that involved knives. The plan also includes banning additional types of knives. However, Faeser noted the need for more weapon and knife ban zones, as well as expanded police patrols.
Critics argue that the proposed measures are inadequate to effectively decrease the increasing number of knife attacks in Germany. Solingen MP Jürgen Hardt (CDU) was skeptical about the effectiveness of a general ban, commenting in "Deutschlandfunk" that "we already have bans, but criminals won't be deterred by them."
Hardt suggested specific bans on carrying dangerous objects for individuals with a history of violent crimes. Such a ban could include knives, axes, and other weapons.
The call for strengthening weapons laws gained momentum following the knife attack in Solingen. An unidentified individual stabbed multiple people at a city festival on Friday evening, resulting in three fatalities and eight injuries. The police are currently searching for the suspect, who fled the scene. Several knives were found during searches and are currently under investigation, initially unclear if one of them was used in the attack.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil strongly supports the SPD's proposal to significantly expand knife prohibitions, echoing the views of party member Dirk Wiese. Both have advocated for eliminating knives from public spaces and urging for progress in knife prohibitions.
