- Shifting focus from vineyards to butcher shops - Discussion on security shifts to Solingen
After the stabbing incident at a fair in Solingen that claimed three lives and injured eight others, event security, notably in Rhineland-Palatinate, is now under scrutiny. For example, all parties engaged in the upcoming Mainz Wine Market, beginning this Thursday, have re-evaluated their security procedures, as reported by Rinaldo Roberto, spokesperson for the Mainz Police Presidency. Similar actions are being taken at the world's largest wine festival, the Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim.
Heightened Police Presence
Existing security plans, collaboratively developed with organizers and other involved parties, undoubtedly consider potential attack scenarios and significant incidents, Roberto explained in Mainz. "Consequently, there's no need to reconsider these plans." They have been refined over time and regularly reviewed and updated before events. "These plans also outline the manner and timing for all responsible parties to communicate." Such interactions happen routinely before and during events, as demonstrated at the recent Worms Backfish Festival.
It's evident that police presence at events will increase post-Solingen. This was declared by Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) last Saturday. Roberto from the Mainz Police Presidency further explained that aside from enhanced presence, officers will be more vigilant to ensure high public accessibility.
CCTV and Security Services
"We were appalled by the events in Solingen," said a representative for the city of Worms, host of the prominent Backfish Festival. "Given that the attack occurred a day prior to our festival's commencement, we immediately contacted the police, with whom we maintain a close relationship and collaborate extensively around the festival premises."
Irrespective of the Solingen incident, Worms' safety strategy is robust and demonstrated effectiveness in recent years. "Unlike Solingen, there are limited entrances here, all fortified by a private security service," the representative underscored. The security service undertakes entry checks, while police and municipal enforcers routinely patrol the festival grounds and surrounding area. Also, the area is monitored by surveillance cameras.
Consistent Liaison with Security Authorities
The core of Worms' safety lies in a festival crisis command center, where police, city officials, and event organizers are consistently present. "Fire and rescue personnel also occasionally visit to keep abreast of the general situation. The seamless coordination among all emergency services is deeply rooted in Worms and has been proven reliable on numerous occasions in the past."
Likewise, the city of Bad Dürkheim, which hosts the traditional Wurstmarkt with hundreds of thousands of visitors in September, expressed its stance. "Security is our foremost priority. Therefore, we maintain ongoing communication with security authorities. Last year, our safety plan was amended to align with the current threat level. If additional measures are suggested by the authorities, we will implement them."
At the German Film Festival in Ludwigshafen, organizers revealed that there are typically between 2,000 and 3,000 attendees on the premises at any given moment. "To foster a perception of security and prevent potential incidents, we are now conducting random checks of larger bags, backpacks, and the like at the festival entrance, and restricting entry points," the organizers stated. The police currently perceive no immediate danger. "However, the police will also bolster their presence on the premises, particularly on weekends, as a precaution."
In response to the escalating concerns about extremism following the Solingen incident, event organizers and security agencies are cautiously examining their strategies to bolster security measures. Interior Minister Ebling emphasized the necessity of enhancing police presence at future events to deter potential attacks.
