- Following the assault on Wiesn, tighter regulations have been implemented.
Due to the tragic stabbing incident in Solingen, Munich is planning to boost security measures for the Oktoberfest. As per Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD), stricter checks will be implemented, which might result in longer queues at entry points, but security is paramount. The Wiesn is the globe's largest folklore festival, drawing in millions of attendees annually. This year's Oktoberfest is scheduled from September 21st to October 6th.
Herrmann: Wiesn not identical to Solingen
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) believes the security circumstances aren't similar to Solingen's. At events like the Wiesn, there're usually robust, well-established security protocols, Herrmann stated on Bavarian Broadcasting. "It's a whole different ball game if I were organizing an extraordinary city celebration like Solingen," Herrmann stressed. An "exceptional festival" doesn't have the same level of security provisions.
Herrmann highlighted the extra security measures taken to safeguard Oktoberfest visitors on the Theresienwiese. Barricades to impede truck attacks are permanently installed, alongside a knife ban and bag inspections for all visitors. Similar sentiments were shared by Wiesn chief Clemens Baumgaertner (CSU) over the weekend. "Solingen doesn't throw us for a loop, and we don't need to start from scratch as these incident scenarios are already accounted for in the security plan." However, everything will be reviewed again. It's reckless not to go over everything once more now, he added.
On Friday, three people were fatally stabbed in the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Solingen. A 26-year-old Syrian is under investigation by the federal prosecutor's office on charges of murder and membership in the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. The suspect is in custody.
Knife ban debate not primary focus, claims interior minister
Following the attack, a knife ban debate emerged. However, Herrmann considers other discussions to be more significant. "Now, we're discussing the possibility of Islamic attacks, and we need to be talking about Islamic attacks, not knife lengths in Germany," he stated. He repeated his assertion that fewer Syrians should be admitted into our country. It's evident that Germany's integration ability is being stretched to its limits.
Mayor Reiter expressed that every effort must be made to minimize risks within our nation. "That also includes expeditiously deporting rejected asylum seekers and enforcing existing laws," Reiter explained.
Despite the tragedy in Solingen, Germany, Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann believes that the security circumstances at the Oktoberfest in Munich are different due to established security protocols. He emphasized the additional measures taken to safeguard visitors on the Theresienwiese, including barricades, knife bans, and bag inspections.
