Information available pertains to the deadly stabbing incident in Solingen.
The shocking event sweeps through the region: On a Friday evening, a vicious knife attack at a celebration in Solingen's city center leads to three fatalities and several wounded. The fugitive assailant remains at large as the manhunt continues. Crucial details are still scarce even hours afterwards. The authorities plan to provide updates on the investigation at an afternoon press conference in Wuppertal. Here's what we know so far.
What went down?
The incident takes place at 21:40 during the "Festival of Diversity", Solingen's 650th anniversary celebration. An unidentified perpetrator unleashes a brutal knife attack on attendees. According to police reports, three individuals lose their lives - a woman and two men. Eight more people suffer severe injuries, with five critically ill. Solingen's mayor, Tim Kurzbach, reveals in a city Facebook post that the critically injured are still fighting for survival.
The "Solingen Daily" reports that the festival's organizer took to the stage after the attack, cancelling the event on the Fronhof, Solingen's city center market square. Visitors were urged to leave the city center. The WDR informs that the police have issued a major alert and helicopters are circling above, roads are blockaded, and the situation remains unclear.
Who's the attacker?
As of Saturday morning, the attacker remained undiscovered and on the loose, according to official announcements. Cops are searching citywide with a strong force, warning residents to stay cautious. "Take care in the city center," a Düsseldorf police spokeswoman advises. "If you see a suspicious character, call 110 immediately and avoid approaching them." The public is encouraged to share any tips or information about the criminal or the incident and upload any relevant images or videos on the police tip portal (https://nrw.hinweisportal.de/).
Newspaper Bild reports that the suspect is described as a person of southern appearance, between 20 and 30 years old, 1.7 to 1.75 meters tall, muscular, with a dense short beard, wearing black and a cap.
Any arrests made?
Bild alleges that the Special Forces Unit (SEK) apprehended a man. A witness claimed to have recognized the attacker from the knife attack, who was a known suspect in another case. The police took the man into custody in his parents' home after the witness contacted them.
However, German Press Agency reported that the arrested person is not the perpetrator. Initial investigations suggest that the suspect's description does not match the assailant's, according to witness statements at the scene.
Extensive Search for the Perpetrator
Countless authorities are collaborating in the hunt for the attacker. The Solingen police are reinforced by other units in North Rhine-Westphalia. The crime scene is reportedly heavily secured. Well-equipped police officers and forensic investigators in protective suits are on the scene, as per an AFP photographer. Both victims and witnesses are being questioned to shed light on the attack.
Political Reactions
Top politicians show their shock. Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to the attack as a "horrifying crime" and a "terrible event." He pleads for the perpetrator to be swiftly captured and punished as per the law.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier calls for consequences from the attacker. "The perpetrator must be held accountable," he insists. He appeals to unity: "Let's stand together against hate and violence." He condemns the attack and expresses his sorrow.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser describes the act as "brutal" and "shocking." "We mourn those cruelly stripped from us," she says on Twitter. She expresses her compassion to the families of the deceased and the severely injured.
Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck labels the attack as "despised." He sends his sympathy to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded. He praises the police's efforts to apprehend the attacker immediately.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks of a "heinous attack" that sources of deep shock.
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst reacts with shock. "An act of brutal and senseless violence has struck our nation to its core," he states on Twitter. "All of North Rhine-Westphalia stands with Solingen and its people, especially with the victims and their families." He extends gratitude to the "many emergency services and our police, fighting for people's lives at this moment."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul checks out the crime scene at night. He learns that the attacker apparently randomly targeted people, but he can't disclose the attacker's motive or identity yet. Visibly moved, Reul denounces the "very serious event."
"My heart is shattered knowing our town was the focus of an assault," pens Mayor Tim Kurzbach on Solingen's Facebook platform. "Tonight, we're all in disbelief, fear, and deep sorrow in Solingen." AfD's joint chair Alice Weidel labeled it as a "terroristic act." She added, "We eagerly await the arrest of the culprit at the earliest convenience."
The attack occurred in Solingen, a city in Germany. Authorities from numerous regions are collaborating to find the perpetrator, who remains at large following the attack at the "Festival of Diversity".
