- Terrorist Group Affirms Accountability for Knife Assault in Solingen - Apprehension
In relation to the knife attack in Solingen, the authorities have apprehended an individual at a refugee accommodation facility within the city. Prospective connections are under scrutiny, as confirmed by a police spokesperson to the German Press Agency. Previously, the extremist group Islamic State (IS) assumed responsibility for the incident, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries.
An unidentified individual apparently attacked passers-by during a jubilee celebration in Solingen, Bergisches Land, on a Friday evening. The attacker then vanished amidst the chaos and initial panic. Tragically, two men aged 67 and 56, and a 56-year-old woman perished. Eight people were wounded, four critically so. Solingen Police Chief Thorsten Fleiß reported that, with the current situation and preliminary visual analysis, there's reason to believe it was "a highly targeted neck attack" on the victims.
Police Raid Refugee Shelter in Solingen
Post-arrest in the evening, the police spokesperson declined to disclose additional details. Earlier, a substantial police force breached the refugee accommodation in Solingen's former tax office. "We've acquired hints, and correspondingly, we are presently carrying out police procedures," explained a police spokesperson. A special task force was also included in the operation. The area was cordoned off by roughly one hundred officers.
IS: Vengeance for Muslims in "Palestine"
IS asserted responsibility for the attack. Via IS's media outlet Amak, they stated that the attacker was an IS member and executed the attack "as retribution for Muslims in Palestine, and elsewhere." The attack targeted "a group of Christians." Düsseldorf police also received an IS claim of responsibility. Now, it's necessary to verify the authenticity of this claim, the police spokesperson asserted. It was mentioned from investigative sources that IS often declared responsibility for an act without verifiable evidence of a true connection between the perpetrator.
Presumably, IS mentions "Palestine" in regard to the conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Islamist Hamas. Neither IS nor terror organization Al-Qaeda have alliances with Hamas. Nevertheless, analysts consider the threat of terrorism and radicalization in the Islamic world has escalated due to the prolonged conflict in Gaza. Germany, alongside the USA, is considered one of Israel's key allies and significant weapons suppliers.
Public Prosecutor: Terrorist Motive Not Eliminated
Concerning a possible motive, Senior Public Prosecutor Markus Caspers mentioned at a Wuppertal afternoon press conference, "We have yet to ascertain a motive, but given the overall circumstances, we cannot dismiss the initial suspicion of a terrorist motive."
If terrorist criminal indications surge, the General Public Prosecutor's Office might handle the case. Investigations are ongoing for the suspected murder in three cases and attempted murder with gunshot wounds in additional eight cases, as Caspers elaborated. The police presently think of a solitary offender.
15-year-old Faces Charges of Failing to Report a Planned Crime
Reports of the weapon already being recovered were not substantiated by Fleiß. Multiple knives have been collected, "which we'll now inspect individually" to figure out which one was utilized in the attack. Numerous details, such as those regarding the knives or the attack sequence, remain uncleared for tactical investigative reasons.
Already detained was a 15-year-old juvenile, who the police do not consider the culprit. Potential charges against him are failing to report planned crimes. "According to witness testimony, an unknown person is said to have conversed with the juvenile shortly before the attack about intentions that would align with the crime," Caspers stated.
Emergency calls were received at 21:37
Fleiß described that on a Friday evening at 21:37, numerous emergency calls flooded the control center of the Wuppertal police headquarters. It was reported that a man stabbed people during the 650th anniversary celebration of Solingen - the "Diversity Festival."
The Solingen incident triggered nationwide shock. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) deemed it a "horrendous crime." "We should not tolerate such acts within our society and continue to oppose them fiercely," expressed the SPD politician at an event in Brandenburg's Stahnsdorf.
Faeser recently advocated for tightening of gun laws
Witnesses of the incident can submit cellphone photographs and videos to the police's tip portal (www.nrw.hinweisportal.de). The city of Solingen has set up a hotline for citizens to inquire about lost persons (0212 - 290-2000). Many inquiries from concerned relatives have been received, it was disclosed.
Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann announced discussions on knife regulations. "We will now convene within the federal government to advance the struggle against this type of knife crime," explained the FDP politician to "Bild am Sonntag."
As of now, the FDP has rejected Faeser's proposals for stricter restrictions. The SPD calls for a clear tightening of the laws. In public, knives should only be carried up to a blade length of six centimeters instead of the existing twelve centimeters. A general ban on carrying dangerous switchblades should also be imposed.
The police raid continued at the suspected refugee accommodation, as they believed the individual in question may have been housed there. The police spokesperson stated, "We are continuing our investigation at the refugee accommodation in Solingen, as this is where our initial leads have taken us."
Furthermore, the attack in Solingen has raised concerns about potential radicalization within refugee communities. Some politicians and analysts have called for tighter vetting processes for refugees, arguing that measures need to be in place to prevent individuals with extremist sympathies from entering the country.
