The government's legal authority tasked with combating terrorism is currently conducting an inquiry.
The Islamic extremist group, IS, admitted to orchestrating the attack on Friday, resulting in three fatalities and eight casualties requiring medical attention. North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Interior, Herbert Reul (CDU), expressed his intention to investigate the claim thoroughly, acknowledging its potential accuracy but admitted that it could also be a fabrication.
The suspected perpetrator was actively pursued prior to the attack. The suspect was transported to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in Karlsruhe on Sunday for questioning by the responsible investigating judge.
Reul revealed that the suspect had resided in a refugee shelter, located near the crime scene in the city center of Solingen. He was viewed as a prime suspect, Reul stated, as there were signs pointing towards his involvement, as well as discovered evidence.
Controversial media reports suggested that the suspect had been earmarked for deportation last year. His asylum application had been rejected, allegedly, while Bild, Welt, and Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that he was anticipated to be deported to Bulgaria, where he had entered the EU. Initial attempts to hide from authorities ended, and following the extradition deadline expired, he was subsequently granted temporary protection, according to reports.
Before the suspect's apprehension, IS claimed responsibility for the stabbing incident via their official propaganda outlet, Amaq, distributed through the Telegram messaging service. The attack, according to their account, allegedly targeted a group of Christians in the city of Solingen, Germany, with an "IS soldier" taking responsibility for the violence. The act was reportedly committed to avenge mistreated Muslims globally.
A 56-to-67-year-old woman and two men were the victims of the attack, resulting in eight other individuals receiving injuries with varying degrees of severity, of which four initially required critical care. By Sunday, the victims' conditions displayed improvement, with four recovering and all patients expected to make a full recovery, as per reports from treating doctors.
Memorial services took place in Solingen on Sunday to honor the deceased, and a memorial event was held on the Neumarkt in Solingen on Saturday evening, attended by Germany's Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) and North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU). Several public events were cancelled in the region, while an extraordinary cabinet meeting was set for Düsseldorf on Sunday.
In a series of events leading up to the suspect's arrest, another man was apprehended in a Solingen refugee shelter on Saturday. Additionally, a 15-year-old was detained Saturday morning, with potential connections to the prime suspect, both identified as witnesses in police reports.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Germany and sparked political debates on knife bans and immigration policies. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) denounced the incident as a "shocking event," while the President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, echoed Scholz's sentiments. Announcing a firm commitment to combating Islamic terrorism, Germany's Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser (SPD), expressed her intention to "do so with all necessary severity."
According to media reports, the prime suspect, referred to as Issa H., was accused of randomly but deliberately attacking festival-goers. Following his escape, he managed to evade capture for approximately 24 hours before being discovered hiding in a backyard. During his escape, he reportedly discarded his bloodstained jacket alongside his identification. The police identified him by discovering the discarded items.
The act of violence carried out by the suspect was described as more lethal due to the number of fatalities and critical injuries. Despite the initial intentions to deport him, the suspect was granted temporary protection before his arrest.
