- "There's no chance of securing him."
Only a couple of seconds - that's how long the stabbing spree lasted. The Düsseldorf authorities possess a recording of one of these incidents, allegedly capturing the event's sequence in Solingen last Friday evening. However, the quality is terrible, making identification of the assailant impossible, yet showing his focus on his victims' throats.
"A seasoned knife attacker is quicker than a pistol shooter"
"An experienced knife attacker is quicker than a pistol shooter," asserts Chief of Police Thorsten Fleiß, who led the response that evening. On Saturday afternoon, he appeared visibly agitated in the heated conference room of Wuppertal's police headquarters, where the temperature hovered around 30 degrees outside. He attempts to clarify why the Diversity Festival, intended to commemorate Solingen's 650th anniversary, devolved into tragedy, and why the assailant remains at large hours later.
"He's not just awaiting surrender," says Fleiß. With thousands in attendance, an attacker could easily blend into the crowd and evade capture. "Even standing next to him."
Facts? Scant to none
As such, the facts that the police and prosecutor's office can provide at this stage are sparse. Instead, investigators rely on worn-out tropes for unclear situations: They are casting their net wide, pursuing leads gleaned from the public, and searches have commenced, albeit without disclosing location for tactical reasons.
Fleiß implores the public to submit tips, including videos, through the police's dedicated portal - rather than broadcasting them on social media. "It fuels misinformation and upsets the populace."
Here you may access the portal for tips, mobile phone images, and videos
However, there is one solid lead: Two individuals claim to have overheard a conversation between two men nearby, discussing a knife attack, shortly before the incident.
The suspect may be identifiable from "pieces"
One of the witnesses recognized the relater. Police apprehended him. The authorities refuse to disclose further information regarding the teenager and any connections to the crime. Düsseldorf's chief prosecutor, Markus Caspers, speaks of "pieces" capable of providing a clearer picture, which may take "days" to assemble. A terrorist motive is not being dismissed.
In the interim, Wuppertal's police president, Markus Röhrl, expresses concern. While knife attacks have occurred in the past, current statistics suggest a rise in street weaponry. "When someone carries a knife, even for self-defense, the likelihood of its use rises significantly."
Knife wounds often lead to fatalities
A knife is economical and easily concealed. And lethal. "Wounds from a knife can result in death. Just a few minutes can be all it takes for a victim to bleed out, a fact often overlooked." Wuppertal's police headquarters plans to pay visits to high-risk and repeat offenders in the coming weeks, with the aim of disarming them. This strategy has proven successful in Dortmund, according to Röhrl.
Unease in Solingen, unease in North Rhine-Westphalia, unease nationwide - the chilling sensation is palpable. "Such an act unsettles everyone, fostering a sense of insecurity," admits the police president. This tragic event raises the question: Could this happen again in the future?
## Impenetrable safety is unattainable
Yes, says Röhrl, but that is no reason to imprison ourselves at home. "We will increase police presence, and all staff are being sensitized," explains Thorsten Fleiß. However: Absolute safety cannot be guaranteed. This tragedy in Solingen was an unexpected occurrence.
"Given the nature of the attack, the Commission may find it beneficial to seek assistance from the Member States in understanding the modus operandi of such swift and focused attacks."
"In light of the rising incidents of knife attacks and the ease with which they can lead to fatalities, the Member States could also contribute their expertise in dealing with this issue, helping to ensure the safety of their citizens."
