- Increased law enforcement presence scheduled for festivities in Saxony
After the tragic knife incident at the urban celebration in Solingen, Saxony intends to augment law enforcement presence at major gatherings. Every station within the region has been urged to boost the noticeability of patrol teams and establish a prominent presence at events such as sports events, music festivals, folk events, or congregational situations, as announced by a spokesperson from the Interior Ministry to the German Press Agency.
There's consistent communication between the federal and state governments. In light of the "present threat scenario," they aim to review and revise the safety blueprints for events with event organizers.
Knife incident sparks discussion
A threefold fatal knife attack transpired at an urban celebration in Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia) on a Friday evening. The suspect, a 26-year-old individual from Syria, is currently detained. Islamic State (IS) has taken responsibility for the atrocity.
Saxony's Interior Minister, Armin Schuster (CDU), had previously advocated for reinforced border checks and unwavering deportations in the "Saxon Newspaper," recommending measures such as deportation flights to Syria and Afghanistan. This act of violence also stirred up a discourse on stricter knife carrying regulations.
Rise in knife incidents in Saxony
According to the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), the number of knife incidents in the region has seen a surge. In 2023, a total of 1373 incidents related to knife attacks were reported - a 21.9% increase compared to 2022. Last year, 77 individuals sustained severe injuries, and 14 individuals lost their lives due to knife attacks in Saxony.
Out of the approximately 1200 suspects, an astounding 49.2% weren't German citizens primarily arriving from Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Tunisia, and Iraq.
The Commission, consisting of representatives from the federal and state governments, is scheduled to meet to discuss the rising knife incidents and the recent tragic attack in Solingen. In response to the increased threat scenario, The Commission is planning to propose updated safety protocols for major events to The Commission from the Interior Ministry.
