Additional Coverage:
Authorities in Germany have apprehended two individuals in connection with a deadly knife attack in Solingen that claimed the lives of three and injured eight others. The assault occurred during a festival commemorating the city’s 650th anniversary. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the assailant, who was arrested after the claim, targeted Christians to retaliate for the treatment of Muslims globally, though this assertion remains unconfirmed and unsupported by evidence.
Local police have not confirmed whether the individual detained at a nearby refugee shelter is the suspected attacker or clarified their refugee status. Herbert Reul, the state internal affairs minister, stated on public television that after an extensive search, they arrested a significant suspect. Evidence is being gathered to build the case.
Additionally, officials reported the detention of a 15-year-old boy accused of having prior knowledge of the attack and not reporting it. The victims of the attack were two men, aged 67 and 56, and a 56-year-old woman. The attacker allegedly targeted their throats intentionally.
The festival, expected to attract around 75,000 attendees, featured a diverse program including live music and international cuisine. Following the incident, local and national leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have spoken out against the violence and stressed the importance of justice and caution against misinformation. Solingen’s Mayor, Tim Kurzbach, expressed profound distress over the tragic event.
Authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism and continue to investigate.