- Victimized in Assault during Solinger City Fest Celebrations
During the commemoration of Solingen's 650th anniversary, tragedy struck in the evening. The authorities suspect a knife to be the weapon behind the fatalities and injuries, as reported by law enforcement officials. The situation has escalated, with helicopters patrolling the skies and numerous emergency vehicles gleaming with lights on the scene. No arrests have been made as of yet, according to police sources.
Officers are present at the scene, armed and maintaining order. Ambulances are in full swing. Barricades have been set up throughout the city. Screens have been erected. The crime scene is the Fronhof - a bustling market square in Solingen's city center, complete with a stage for live music performances.
In response to the incident, the local authorities have urged Solingen residents to vacate the city center. The festivities have been put on hold temporarily. The sound of sirens can be heard echoing through the city center. As reported by eyewitnesses in the local newspaper, the suspected perpetrator swiftly fled towards the main street.
"The crowd is stunned"
Philipp Müller, one of the organizers, reportedly took to the stage to announce that the rescue services were battling to save the lives of nine individuals. Thousands of attendees reportedly followed the instructions to depart the square calmly, avoiding any form of panic. "The crowd is stunned yet leaving the square calmly," Müller reportedly informed the newspaper.
A journalist from the "Solinger Tageblatt" described the scene: "The atmosphere is chilling." In the blink of an eye, the cheerful and lively atmosphere transformed into horror, as visitors passed by with teary eyes.
To celebrate the 650th anniversary of Solingen, a "Festival of Diversity" was scheduled to kick off on Friday and run until Sunday. The announcement read: "Solingen Mitte will transform into the main festival mile: From the Neumarkt, through the Fronhof, and all the way to the Mühlenplatz, celebrations will be held." Visitors can anticipate a program packed with music, cabaret, acrobatics, art, craft, children's entertainment, and much more on the city streets.
The originally planned city festival, including music, cabaret, and art performances, has been temporarily halted due to the incident. The Fronhof, typically a hub of activity during the festival, is now the crime scene.
