A man stabs passers-by at random at festival in Solingen – The perpetrator with “Arab features” escapes arrest – Authorities classify the crime as a terrorist attack
Nach jetzigem Kenntnisstand wurden durch den Angriff drei Menschen gotötet und vier weiter schwer verlettt.
Die #Polizei ist mit einem Großaufgebot im Einsatz und fahndet nach dem fleechtigen Täter.
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— Polizei NRW W (@polizei_nrw_w) August 23, 2024
At least three people died and four others were seriously injured in the attack with a knife against passers-by at the Solingen Festival, in North Rhine-Westphalia.
BREAKING:
At least 3 stabbed to death at “diversity festival ” in Solingen, Germany 🇩🇪
People are still receiving CPR treatment on the scene, but several bodies have also been covered with sheets.@BILD reports that eyewitnesses say an “Arab-looking man” started stabbing people pic.twitter.com/2443bpZZjR
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 23, 2024
The assailant – with “Arab features”, according to eyewitnesses cited by Bild newspaper – escapes arrest so far. A large-scale police operation is underway in the area.
The attack took place at a festival celebrating the 650th anniversary of the city of Solingen, Germany, according to police. Bild reports that there are three dead and 9 injured, of which three are in serious condition. The police confirmed that the dead are three and announced that the injured are 4.
BREAKING: At least 9 people stabbed at Festival of Diversity in Solingen, Germany. Reports of multiple fatalities – FOCUS pic.twitter.com/vS610XkBHc
— BNO News (@BNONews) August 23, 2024
Earlier the “Solinger Tageblatt” had reported that the rescue service was fighting for the lives of nine people.
The man allegedly stabbed one of his victims in the neck. Why’ the authorities are classifying this crime as a terrorist attack.
According to Chief Police Inspector Sasha Kresta, the perpetrator did not choose the victims, but aimed his knife at their throats.
“The perpetrator is being sought by reinforced police forces. We really want to arrest him. At the same time, forensic investigations and witness statements are underway,” said Mr. Kresta and added that three of the people who were attacked were not injured, but are in a state of shock.
Videos posted on social media show at least 2 people covered with a white sheet.
According to Bild around 9.45 p.m. (local time; 22:45 Greek time), a man randomly stabbed bystanders at the city festival in Solingen. Dozens of rescuers are currently busy taking care of the injured.
The attacker, according to witnesses, a man with Arab appearance, is on the run. According to police sources, the murder weapon was most likely a knife. It was also confirmed that no arrests have been made yet. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Police have put on 'highest alert', cordoned off the area and the SEK special unit is searching for the attacker with the help of helicopters.
According to 'Solinger Tageblatt”, DJ Topic was playing during the incident. Before that, the See You concert at Mühlenplatz had already been cancelled. Thousands of visitors followed the request to leave the square calmly and not to panic.
“We don't want to believe what we see here at the crime scene. It's sad. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and the injured. All we can do now is pray that the seriously injured will make it,” said North Rhine-Westphalia's interior minister, Herbert Royle, during a joint press conference with Inspector Kresta in Dusseldorf.
“Tonight in Solingen we are all in shock, horror and great sadness. We wanted to celebrate our city's anniversary together and now we are forced to mourn deaths and injuries. The attack on our city breaks my heart. With tears in my eyes I think of those we have lost. I pray for those who are still fighting for their lives,” said Solingen Mayor Tim Kurtzbach.
After the attack, the authorities decided to suspend the “Festival for Diversity” which was in progress, with the opportunity of the 650th anniversary of the founding of the city, and was to last until tomorrow Sunday.
The events of the Festival were estimated to be attended by at least 80,000 people during the three days.
The At the time of the attack, there were thousands of people attending a concert in the Fronhof square in the center of Solingen.
Spectators were evacuated on instructions from the security authorities, who have also asked the city's residents to stay indoors. them while the perpetrator evades arrest.
