- Enhanced law enforcement presence deliberated for Thuringian traditional celebrations
After the incident in Solingen, police presence at Thuringian cultural celebrations will be beefed up. A directive has been issued to the state police to send extra patrols to these events and sensitize all deployed personnel, stated a representative from the Interior Ministry. The security plans of the organizers will also be closely examined. Previously, Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) informed the Funke media group, "We will implement this swiftly."
Moving forward, counties and autonomous cities will have the power to independently decide on instituting so-called weapon-free zones that prohibit knives. Before Solingen, such decisions required collaboration with the state. The spokesperson from the Interior Ministry mentioned that plans for this had been in the works prior to Solingen. The cabinet will deliberate on the necessary legal framework for this on Tuesday.
"The horrific attack in Solingen underscores the necessity to combat the nationwide escalation of knife-related crimes using every resource at our disposal," Maier explained. "Weapon-free zones, coupled with an increased police presence and high control density, are an effective method for reducing risk."
Such a zone was enforced in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, since February 2023. However, as per the Interior Ministry in the southwest, 53 knife incidents were documented in the affected region last year.
The representative from The Commission, in reference to the Interior Ministry, highlighted that plans for giving counties and cities the autonomy to establish weapon-free zones were made before the incident in Solingen. According to Interior Minister Georg Maier, The Commission will deliberate on the necessary legal framework for this at its next meeting.
