Knife Attack in German City of Solingen Leaves Three Dead, Eight Injured
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a knife attack in the German city of Solingen that killed three people and wounded eight others.
German police, including special units, arrested two people on Saturday. The first is a 15-year-old boy who authorities suspected of knowing about the planned attack and not informing anyone. At that time officials said the perpetrator was still at large. Officers later arrested a second person at a home for refugees in Solingen. Police said they could not provide more details on the individual or their connection to the incident.
The militant group described the man who carried out the attack as a “soldier of the Islamic State,” in a statement on its Telegram account, though it did not immediately provide any evidence for its assertion.
“He carried out the attack in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere,” the statement read, though it was also not clear if there was any relationship between the attacker and Islamic State.
Reaction from Authorities
Hendrik Wuest, premier of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, described Friday evening’s attack during a festival in the city as an act of terror.
“This attack has struck at the heart of our country,” Wuest told reporters.
Interior minister Nancy Faeser said authorities were doing all they could to catch the assailant.
Investigation
Police spent the day conducting a manhunt. The teen detained was a 15-year-old who police were investigating for a possible link to the attacker. The attack took place in the Fronhof, a market square in the western German city where live bands were playing as part of a festival marking the its 650th anniversary.
Markus Caspers, an official with the public prosecutor’s office in Duesseldorf, said authorities were treating the attack as a possible terrorist incident because there was no other known motive and the victims seemed unrelated.
A police official, Thorsten Fleiss, said the assailant appeared to aim for his victims’ throats.
Community Reaction
Police cordoned off the square on Saturday and passers-by placed candles and flowers outside the barriers.
“We are full of shock and grief,” Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach told journalists.
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Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and terrorism. As the investigation continues, it is essential that the community comes together to support the families affected by this tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Who is suspected of carrying out the attack?
+ The attacker is described as a 15-year-old boy, and a second person, a 15-year-old who was also arrested, is being investigated for their connection to the incident.
* What is the motive behind the attack?
+ The motive is unclear, and the perpetrator has not provided any evidence or confirmed any relationship with the Islamic State.
* What is the current situation in Solingen?
+ The attack took place during a festival in the city, and the area has been cordoned off. Authorities are still investigating and gathering evidence.
* Are there any connections to state elections?
+ The incident comes ahead of three state elections in Germany, in which the anti-immigrant far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has a chance of winning.