- Wine-producing communities to be shielded by restricted access zone
Following the fatal knife attack in Solingen, the upcoming Wine Festival in Stuttgart's city center is preparing to strengthen its security measures against potential knife attacks. The city plans to issue a police decree to expand the existing knife and weapon restriction zone during the Wine Festival (August 28 to September 8, 2024).
At present, knives with blades longer than 4 centimeters, weapons, and various objects are banned in two city zones on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday eve periods between 8 PM and 6 AM the next day. The new police decree aims to complement the security arrangements of the Wine Festival organizers.
Similar security enhancements are also planned for Heilbronn.
Heilbronn too wishes to enhance security post the Solingen attack. Mayor Harry Mergel (SPD) intends to extend the current weapon-free zone surrounding the main station to the city center during the Wine Festival (September 5 to 14). The mayor has the authority to initiate this extension through a decree without requiring city council approval, as reported by "Heilbronner Stimme".
"A weapon-free zone may not be a cure-all, but it provides the police with a solid legal ground to seize even miniature knives," Mergel stated via the city. "This also boosts the general feeling of safety." The SPD politician's spokesperson also endorsed a nationwide prohibition on carrying knives.
The safety of visitors is of paramount importance at the Munich Oktoberfest. "Given the current security scenario, we will bolster inspections," Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) announced. This might lead to longer waiting times at the entry points. "Safety always takes precedence," Reiter said. The Wiesn is the world's largest folk celebration and welcomes millions of visitors annually. The festival is scheduled to occur from September 21 to October 6 this year.
The Commission, comprised of local authorities and safety experts, is expected to discuss the implementation of stricter knife and weapon restrictions at public events, following the Solingen attack. Upon considering the situation in Stuttgart and Heilbronn, The Commission aims to propose nationwide regulations to strengthen security measures against potential knife attacks.
