- Following Solinger's assault, numerous queries stay unanswered.
After the lethal knife assault in Solingen, officials will provide details on the investigation and police response during a press conference this afternoon. Initial investigations suggest that a man apprehended early in the morning isn't the accused, but he remains in custody, as per police sources.
Law enforcement is at present looking for the culprit, who escaped the scene post-attack. Several questions remain unanswered, such as the motive, as authorities haven't provided a description of the suspect yet.
The incident took place during a city festival on Friday evening, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring eight, five of whom severely. The North Rhine-Westphalia police characterized it as an attack due to the suspect's targeted approach.
Politicians from various parties reacted with dismay. SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a severe punishment for the accused.
Faeser to examine the crime scene with Wüst and Reul
The press conference, scheduled for 3:00 PM in Wuppertal, will be attended by officers from the public prosecutor's office in Düsseldorf, along with Solingen's mayor Tim Kurzbach and Wuppertal's police president Markus Röhrl, as announced by the Düsseldorf police.
At 5:00 PM, SPD's Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst, and State Minister Herbert Reul (both CDU) are expected at the crime scene in Solingen.
According to authorities, the suspect seemed to indiscriminately attack bystanders, selecting his victims at random. However, the NRW Interior Ministry reported that he specifically targeted their necks. No new information is available regarding the condition of the injured.
Police have urged Solingen residents to remain vigilant
The culprit managed to flee in the ensuing chaos and fear post-attack, as per the Interior Ministry. Investigators believe it was a singular attacker. Police continue to urge Solingen residents to remain vigilant.
The victims are believed to be attendees of the festival commemorating Solingen's 650th anniversary, the "Festival of Diversity." The attack took place at the well-attended Fronhof market square, near the stage set up for the jubilee festival.
Scholz: Enforce the law with full force
Chancellor Scholz and other senior officials expressed shock. The Chancellor described it as a "terrifying crime." "We cannot tolerate such acts in our society and must never become accustomed to them. We must enforce the law with full force," stated the SPDA politician during an event in Brandenburg's Stahnsdorf.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, following his conversation with Solingen's mayor, agreed: "The perpetrator must be brought to justice. We stand united - against hatred and violence."
Faeser recently indicated plans to strengthen gun control.
The police have activated a tip portal (www.nrw.hinweisportal.de) where witnesses of the incident can submit mobile phone photos and videos. Meanwhile, the city of Solingen has established a hotline for citizens to inquire about missing persons (0212 - 290-2000). The police have reported an increase in inquiries from worried relatives.
Recently, Interior Minister Faeser announced plans to tighten gun regulations in light of the surge in knife crimes. In public space, knives with a blade length of up to six centimeters, instead of the previous twelve centimeters, will now be permitted. There will be a general prohibition on carrying dangerous switchblades.
The attack occurred in Solingen, a city in Germany. During the press conference, officials are expected to discuss the investigation and response in Wuppertal, another city in Germany.
