- Terror Incident in Solingen – IS Presumably Claims Responsibility
Following the lethal stabbing incident in Solingen, the Islamic State (IS) terror group declared responsibility for the event. The Düsseldorf police also received a claim of responsibility from IS regarding the incident which led to three fatalities and several injuries. It's crucial to verify the authenticity of this claim, as stated by a police spokesperson. In the pursuit of the perpetrator, special forces stormed a refugee shelter in Solingen's downtown area in the evening.
An unidentified assailant apparently attacked random bystanders during a jubilee celebration for Solingen in Bergisches Land on a Friday evening. The attacker managed to flee amidst the ensuing panic and chaos. Two men aged 67 and 56, along with a 56-year-old woman, were fatally injured. Eight people were injured, four severely. According to the current assessment and evaluation of preliminary video footage, the attack appears to be a "highly targeted attack" on the victims' necks, as per the police chief Thorsten Fleiß.
IS Statement: "Retribution for Muslims in Palestine"
In a statement released on the IS propaganda channel Amak, it was claimed that the attacker was an IS member who executed the attack "in retaliation for Muslims in Palestine and elsewhere". The intention behind the attack was primarily targeting "a Christian group".
It's presumed that IS refers to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip as "Palestine". It's important to note that neither IS nor the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda have any affiliations with Hamas. Nevertheless, some analysts believe that the threat of terrorism and radicalization in the Islamic world has elevated due to the prolonged conflict in Gaza. Germany, along with the USA, counts among Israel's key allies and major arms suppliers.
Search at refugee shelter
It was announced late in the day that the police conducted a search at a refugee shelter in Solingen's downtown area with significant force. "We have received some leads, and based on that, we are presently executing police measures," a police spokesperson stated. A special forces unit was deployed for this operation. The area was surrounded by a force of a hundred strong.
At a press conference in Wuppertal in the afternoon, the Chief Public Prosecutor Markus Caspers said, "We have yet to establish a motive, but in light of the overall circumstances, we cannot rule out the possibility of a terrorist motivation."
If there's sufficient evidence to charge a terrorist crime, the case might be handed over to the Federal Prosecutor General. Investigations are ongoing for suspected murder in three cases and attempted murder, along with grievous bodily harm, in eight further cases, as Caspers explained. The police currently suspect a lone attacker. According to police chief Fleiß, there's still no clear image material of the suspect.
Charges against 15-year-old for failing to report planned crime
Reports stating that the murder weapon had been recovered were yet to be confirmed by Fleiß. Several knives were seized, "which we will now examine individually" to ascertain which one was used in the crime. Several details, such as those relating to the knives or the sequence of incidents, remained unanswered due to tactical investigative reasons.
A 15-year-old juvenile has been arrested, but the police do not consider him to be the prime suspect. Charges of failing to report a planned crime are being considered against him. "According to witness testimonies, an unidentified individual is alleged to have spoken with the juvenile about intentions that would correspond to the crime shortly before the attack," Caspers stated.
Emergency calls were received by the police at 21:37.
Report describing the events of Friday evening at 21:37 when several emergency calls were made to the Wuppertal police headquarters control center. It was reported that a man had intentionally stabbed people at the 650th anniversary celebration of Solingen - the "Festival of Diversity".
This incident sparked outrage throughout Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) described it as a "monstrous crime". "Such acts should not be tolerated or accepted in our society. The full force of the law must be brought to bear here," said the SPD politician during an event in Brandenburg's Stahnsdorf.
Recently, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) proposed strengthening gun control laws.
Witnesses can submit photos and videos through the police's tip portal (www.nrw.hinweisportal.de). The city of Solingen has set up a hotline for citizens seeking information about missing persons (0212 - 290-2000). Reports of inquiries from concerned relatives have emerged.
Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann announced consultations on knife regulations. "We will now engage in discussions within the federal government on how to further advance the struggle against this type of knife crime," said the FDP politician to "Bild am Sonntag".
So far, the FDP has rejected the proposals for stricter gun control put forth by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD). The SPD advocates for significant tightening of the laws. In public, knives should only be carried with a blade length of up to six centimeters instead of the current twelve centimeters. Thereshould be a blanket ban on carrying dangerous switchblades.
The European Union, expressed concerns about the rising threat of terrorism and radicalization in the Islamic world following the prolonged conflict in Gaza. German authorities, in their investigation, are considering terrorism as a possible motive in the stabbing incident in Solingen.
