- Senator Grote accused the FDP of hindering the passage of firearm regulations.
Grote: Hamburg proposes stricter weapon regulations
For years, Hamburg has put forth clear suggestions for strengthening weapon regulations and knife bans in public areas such as train stations and trains, as well as on trains themselves. However, these proposals have been hindered by the FDP at the federal level, thereby preventing any significant changes to weapon laws. Grote insisted: "These proposals need to be implemented promptly."
Buschmann, the Federal Justice Minister, has proposed a discussion on modifying the knife law. "We will now deliberate in the federal government on how we can intensify our efforts against this kind of knife-related violence," stated the FDP politician to "Bild am Sonntag".
According to Faeser's recommendations, the public can only carry knives with blades up to six centimeters, instead of the current twelve centimeters. A blanket ban on carrying dangerous switchblades is also suggested.
Hamburg officials saddened by Solingen attack
Hamburg's political leaders were shocked by the Solingen incident. Carola Veit, the President of the Hamburg Parliament, posted on the X platform: "The unfathomable hatred towards cheerful celebrants is utterly baffling, senseless, and deeply unsettling. My thoughts are with the victims' family members, and I hope for a speedy recovery for the injured."
Katharina Fegebank, the Green Second Mayor of Hamburg and Senator for Science, also expressed shock on the X platform. "The tragic event in Solingen is heinous and inhumane," she wrote, before extending her support to the victims, their families, and everyone in Solingen.
Dennis Thering, the CDU chairman and parliamentary group leader in Hamburg, expressed his sadness and sent well wishes to those affected by the Solingen tragedy. "During these difficult times, my thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible event in Solingen," he wrote, wishing the injured swift recovery and strengths to the victims' families.
Representatives of the churches also bemoaned the attack. The EKD Bishop Kirsten Fehrs and the German Bishop's Conference Chairman, Georg Bätzing, jointly stated: "As churches, we share the grief of the victims' families and pray for the injured and deceased. This barbaric violence is unjustifiable. The Solingen incident exposes an abyss of evil that challenges our humanity." Bätzing is the Bishop of Limburg, and Fehrs is the Bishop of the North Church.
On the evening of the 650th anniversary celebration of Solingen - the "Festival of Diversity", a man randomly attacked bystanders. He then fled amidst the confusion and initial panic. Two men, aged 67 and 56, as well as a 56-year-old woman, lost their lives. Eight individuals, four of whom were seriously injured, were also attacked. IS claimed responsibility for the attack, but there's currently no confirmation from security authorities whether it was inspired by Islamist ideology.
Police apprehend a 26-year-old Syrian man
As reported by "Der Spiegel", the suspect who surrendered to the German police on Saturday evening claimed responsibility for the attack. The man reached Germany by the end of 2022 and applied for asylum. He was not previously identified as an Islamic extremist to security authorities. The Federal Prosecutor's Office has taken charge of the case and is investigating the suspect for murder and involvement in the terrorist organization IS.
Following Hamburg's proposals, there's a need for a comprehensive review and potential amendment of the ['Law on weapons'], particularly in light of the escalating knife-related violence. The current hindrances at the federal level, mainly from the FDP, must be addressed to effectively implement stricter weapon laws.
In the aftermath of the Solingen attack, the call for a review of the ['Law on weapons'] has gained significant momentum, emphasizing the need for more stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies.
