- Herrmann asserts that Solingen is not similarly situated to Oktoberfest.
Bayern's Minister of the Interior, Joachim Herrmann, believes the security at Solingen's festival is unlike that of regular events such as Munich's Oktoberfest. Places that often host such events typically have well-developed, seasoned security plans, Herrmann stated on Monday to Bavarian Radio.
The Wiesn, beginning on September 21, features robust barriers against vehicles and a stringent prohibition on carrying knives, with bag checks for all attendees. According to Herrmann, this is vastly different from organizing an unusual city celebration like the one in Solingen. Such one-off events don't necessitate the same level of safety precautions.
Last Friday evening at a North Rhine-Westphalian city festival, three individuals lost their lives due to a knife attack. Eight other individuals were injured, four severely. A 26-year-old suspect, a Syrian national, has been in custody since Sunday night, suspected of being an Islamic State (IS) member and committing murder.
Herrmann feels that the ongoing discussion regarding a knife ban isn't the main priority. "Right now, we're focusing on the suspected Islamic attacks, not the size of pocket knives in Germany." Herrmann continued to emphasize his stance against admitting as many Syrian refugees as before, as it's becoming increasingly apparent that Germany's integration capabilities are being stretched too thin.
In contrast to regular events like Munich's Oktoberfest, the security measures for the Solingen festival are considered less stringent, as highlighted by Bayern's Minister of the Interior, Joachim Herrmann. Given the recent knife attack at a North Rhine-Westphalian city festival, other festivals should consider implementing stricter safety measures, such as the robust vehicle barriers and strict knife prohibition seen at the Wiesn.
