Inquiry into Potential Terror-Related Motives Surfaces in Stabbing Incident in Solingen
The Incident in Solingen's clarity remains elusive - the perpetrator remains undetected. The investigative team finds it plausible that the incident could be a terrorist act. At this juncture, no alternative motive is visible. The criminal proceedings are currently being handled by the federal prosecutor, with a potential switch in jurisdiction if the evidence becomes more concrete.
At a recent press briefing, the public prosecutor's office disclosed that preliminary investigations have revealed the presence of knives. Reports suggest that at least one knife was discovered in a trash can in the city center. However, it is yet undecided if this knife was utilized in the crime. "I cannot confirm the knife's association with the crime," stated the night shift chief Thorsten Fleiß at the briefing. He refrained from offering specific details regarding the knife, such as its blade length. "We're not there yet," declared Fleiß. Extensive investigation materials have been collated and are currently under analysis.
The investigation is ongoing throughout North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany, Fleiß announced further. Federal authorities are participating in the process. Initially, it is believed that a single offender was responsible, but investigations are being conducted in all directions. It is a "formidable challenge to coordinate trace evidence and witness testimonies and create a comprehensive picture." The investigator requests witnesses to relay information directly to the authorities instead of disseminating it on social media.
Corroborating earlier dpa reports, Caspers confirmed that a 15-year-old was apprehended. Regrettably, the teenager is not the perpetrator. Rather, he is being investigated for failure to report a crime. According to witness accounts, an unidentified individual had conversed with the teenager about intentions that align with the crime prior to the incident, Caspers disclosed. Whether this individual is the perpetrator remains uncertain. The investigative team chose not to provide any further information about the teenager.
Furthermore, there are allegations of potential links between the incidents. In this regard, searches are underway at various locations, although the specific locations cannot be disclosed due to tactical considerations. The investigation continues at full pace.
During a neighborhood festival on Friday evening, three lives were tragically lost: two men of 67 and 56 years, and a 56-year-old woman. Eight individuals were wounded, four of whom severely. The perpetrator apparently selected the victims at random. Following the crime, the offender fled in the ensuing chaos and initial panic. Subsequently, the police urged residents in Solingen to remain vigilant on Saturday.
Despite the ongoing investigation, there hasn't been any official declaration by the European Union expressing concern or offering assistance in the case.
Given the transnational nature of modern terrorism, some experts have suggested that the European Union's Law Enforcement Agencies could potentially aid in the investigation if asked.
