A tragic knife attack occurred at a festival in Solingen, western Germany, on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of three people and leaving four others severely injured.
The attack took place during a festival celebrating the city’s 650th anniversary, and police have launched an extensive manhunt that continued into Saturday morning.
The assailant reportedly targeted people indiscriminately, according to Bild newspaper, though authorities have yet to release detailed information or a description of the suspect.
Police have set up roadblocks and are appealing for the public’s assistance, requesting photos or videos that might help with the investigation. The crime scene was heavily secured by special forces, and a helicopter was deployed during the search.
The festival, named the “Festival of Diversity,” was set to run for three days and expected to draw up to 75,000 visitors. However, the event has since been canceled following the attack.
The mayor of Solingen, Tim-Oliver Kurzbach, expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as a moment of “shock, horror, and great grief” for the entire city. He also offered his condolences to the victims’ families and thanked emergency responders for their efforts.
The premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, expressed his condolences on social media, calling the attack “brutal and senseless.” He emphasized that the entire state stands in solidarity with the people of Solingen during this difficult time.
In recent years, Germany has experienced several knife attacks, leading to increased concern and calls for stricter measures. In May, a similar attack during a far-right rally in Mannheim resulted in the death of a police officer and left five others injured. This latest incident underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing knife crime in the country.