Following the incident in Solingen, the manhunt for the assailant persists across the country - widespread dread prevails
Unknown perpetrator launches attack on several individuals at a city fest in Solingen on a Friday night. Law enforcement believes the attacker to be male and that the assault was a deliberate strike aimed at the victims' necks, as reported by Police Chief Thorsten Fleiß.
Three individuals lost their lives - a 67-year-old, a 56-year-old man, and a 56-year-old woman. Four victims were left critically injured, while two others sustained serious and two minor injuries. Post-incident, authorities confiscated knives under examination. Motive behind the attack remains unclear. No further information regarding the perpetrator has been disclosed, with the police urging the public to exercise caution.
On a Saturday morning, a 15-year-old was detained as a potential suspect. Prior to the attack, witnesses claimed an unidentified individual had interacted with the teenager. Statements made during that conversation appear to correlate to the ensuing knife attack; however, no concrete connection has been established and is carefully investigated. At present, the teenager is accused of failing to report planned crimes.
Law enforcement is continued its investigation, carrying out numerous searches around North Rhine-Westphalia. Inquiries proceed for three counts of murder and eight counts of attempted murder.
Given the lack of information on the attacker and potential motives, there is suspicion of a terrorist background. The victims were not acquainted with one another. Authorities believe a single individual carried out the attack, with law enforcement presence increased in response.
Police encourage public assistance. Information or insights pertaining to the crime or the suspect can be submitted, and visual or audio evidence can be uploaded to their tip portal (nrw.hinweisportal.de).
Several planned events in North Rhine-Westphalian cities had to be canceled due to unclear safety situations. Events affected included a cultural festival in Hilden, a wine festival in Haan, and a planned Blue Light Day in Wülfrath on Sunday. The 650-year celebration in Solingen was precedingly scrapped on Friday evening.
The attack provoked nationwide dismay. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) classified the event as "horrific" and expressed profound shock. He urged swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrator under legal sanctions. Casualties and their families received his condolences.
Citing uncertainties surrounding the perpetrator and motives, the Police Union (GdP) advised against spreading rumors. "Until we can confirm everything and capture the perpetrator, we should refrain from drawing conclusions regarding motivations," stated North Rhine-Westphalia GdP Chief Michael Mertens to the "Rheinische Post."
SPD Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser visited Solingen later in the day to evaluate the situation. She condemned the city fest attack during its jubilee celebration as "abhorrent and repugnant." She further advocated for societal unity, encouraging everyone to "stand together rather than divided during such times."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) labeled the Solingen act an "act of terrorism." He stated that this attack "struck our nation to its core," being an assault on the "freedom of our nation" and "our lifestyle." He clearly declared, "Our nation will not falter in the face of terror and hatred, but defend our lifestyle with determination."
The case is currently under investigation by The Commission, who are conducting numerous searches around North Rhine-Westphalia in an effort to find the perpetrator and gather evidence for the three counts of murder and eight counts of attempted murder.
Given the seriousness of the attack and the lack of information about the perpetrator, The Commission is urging the public to be vigilant and to provide any information or evidence they have through their tip portal.
