- Expanding Redmann's law enforcement authority - Woidke's stance
Following the lethal knife attack in Solingen that resulted in three fatalities, calls for political action are escalating in Brandenburg. CDU state and faction leader Jan Redmann advocates for increased authority for the police. "Enhanced security at community gatherings can solely be accomplished through advanced video surveillance using facial recognition and random bag searches," Redmann stated. "Furthermore, it's high time we permit our police to monitor Islamist chat groups to intervene promptly. Currently, we rely solely on tips from foreign services."
State Premier Dietmar Woidke expressed his "deep surprise and revulsion over this brutal act." "We must continue to have the freedom to enjoy our festivals without fear," the SPD politician insisted. "Therefore, I extend my gratitude to all security forces."
During a city festival in Solingen, a man allegedly killed two men and a woman on a Friday evening. Eight others were injured, four of them severely. The authorities apprehended a suspect, a 26-year-old Syrian, reported by Düsseldorf police. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is scrutinizing the case for charges of murder and membership in the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS).
CDU state leader: Dangerous individuals to be expelled to Syria
Redmann also advocated for the expulsion of dangerous individuals to high-risk nations of origin, such as Syria and Afghanistan. "Because they exploit our hospitality," he stated. The federal and state governments require an agreement against terrorism.
Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU), who presides over the Interior Ministers' Conference, recently informed the editorial network Germany that there is no longer any danger in significant parts of Syria and that effective administrative structures are in place. Stübgen expressed his shock following the knife attack. "My thoughts are with the victims of this despicable act, along with their families and friends," he said.
Scholz demands "maximum penalty"
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded severe punishment for the offender. "Every measure must now be taken to enforce justice and lawfully punish the offender severely," Scholz stated in Stahnsdorf during his summer tour as an SPD member of the Bundestag. "We cannot tolerate such acts in our society and must never accept them. The maximum penalty must be applied here."
The supposed knife attacker was scheduled to be expelled to Bulgaria last year. His asylum application had earlier been denied. Given that he had gone into hiding in Germany subsequently, the deportation was momentarily suspended, and the Syrian was relocated to Solingen, according to "World" reports.
Faeser proposes stricter gun regulations
The debate is gaining traction due to the state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. Brandenburg's AfD state leader René Springer criticized a "failure to maintain internal security" on the portal X.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) recently advocated for strengthening gun regulations. The number of knife attacks in Germany has surged significantly in recent years. Last year, the police recorded 8,951 instances of serious bodily harm involving knives, either to harm someone or threaten them - a nearly 9.7% increase compared to the previous year.
In response to the horrific knife attack in Solingen, concerns about enhancing security measures have escalated in Brandenburg. CDU state leader Jan Redmann suggested that enhanced security at community gatherings could be achieved through advanced video surveillance and random bag searches.
Following the attack, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded that the offender receive the maximum penalty, emphasizing that society cannot tolerate such acts and must never accept them.
