- Tragic Event: Stabbing Attack at City Festival Leaves Casualties; Pursuit underway for the Assailant
At the 650th anniversary celebration of Solingen's city, there were unfortunate casualties and wounded individuals in the evening hours. Law enforcement officials believe a knife was the weapon responsible for the incidents, as suggested by their sources. The authorities have issued a heightened alert, with helicopters patrolling the skies. The NRW Interior Ministry confirmed to RTL that "three individuals have lost their lives, and the suspect remains at large." The police have declared an active threat situation, without any arrests having taken place yet. As per eyewitness reports to the "Solinger Tageblatt", the suspected culprit escaped towards the city's main street.
Officers are present at the scene, armed, keeping the area under control. Roadblocks have been established across the city, and informational screens have been set up. The crime scene is the Fronhof – a bustling market square in Solingen's city center, hosting a live music stage.
Update: Nine individuals severely wounded
Philipp Müller, one of the event's organizers, allegedly stated on stage that emergency services were desperately trying to save the lives of nine people. Thousands of attendees reportedly followed the directions to calmly vacate the square and avoid panicking. "The spectators are shocked but exiting the square peacefully," Müller reportedly shared with the newspaper.
A journalist from the "Solinger Tageblatt" described the scene: "There's an unsettling ambiance." Within minutes, the cheerful atmosphere transformed into shock, with tearful spectators walking by.
The Mayor of Solingen, Tim Kurzbach, expressed his shock at the events in a Facebook post:
The "Celebration of Diversity" commenced on Friday to celebrate the 650th anniversary of Solingen's city and was scheduled to last until Sunday. The statement noted: "Solingen Mitte will serve as the main festival area: From Neumarkt via Fronhof to Mühlenplatz, there will be celebrations." Attendees could anticipate a program containing music, comedy, acrobatics, crafts, children's entertainment, and much more in the streets.
The city festival, initially filled with excitement and celebration, has been disrupted by the unfortunate incidents. The live music stage at the Fronhof, a bustling market square, is now part of the crime scene.
Despite the tragic events, the organizers, including Philipp Müller, are urging attendees to peacefully leave the square, as nine individuals are reportedly seriously injured.
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