A violent attack during Solingen’s 650th anniversary celebration resulted in three deaths and several injuries. Emergency services are on-site, fighting to save lives.
During the 650th-anniversary celebration of Solingen, a knife attack left three people dead and eight others injured, five of them seriously. This information was confirmed by the Düsseldorf police in response to an inquiry by t-online. The weapon used was a knife, and according to the police, the attacker appeared to have randomly targeted passersby. However, the Ministry of the Interior indicated that the man deliberately aimed at the victims’ necks.
The police initially issued a major alarm. A police spokesperson stated that they were treating the incident as an attack. It remains unclear if there is a terrorist background, as no information about the perpetrator or motive is yet available. The search for the attacker is ongoing, and hours later, authorities still cannot provide any reliable details about his whereabouts or appearance.
Ongoing investigation and emergency response
A spokeswoman for the Düsseldorf police stated on Saturday morning, “Investigations are ongoing.” However, investigators currently believe that the attacker acted alone.
Eyewitnesses reported that the perpetrator fled toward the main street. Officers armed with weapons secured the scene, and there were cordons throughout the city. Privacy screens were also set up. The attack occurred at Fronhof, a marketplace in Solingen’s city center, where a stage had been set up for live music. The knife attack apparently took place right in front of this stage. One of the event organizers announced from the stage that emergency services were fighting to save the lives of nine people.
Following the fatal attack, the police launched an information portal. Witnesses can upload photos and videos of the incident at www.nrw.hinweisportal.de, as announced by the Wuppertal police on Facebook.
Meanwhile, the city of Solingen established a citizen hotline for inquiries about missing relatives. Concerned individuals can inquire about the whereabouts of missing persons by calling 0212 – 290-2000. The police reported a surge in inquiries from worried individuals wanting to know if their relatives were among the victims of the attack.
Witnesses praise emergency response
A reporter from the “Solinger Tageblatt” described the atmosphere following the attack: “The mood is eerie.” Within minutes, the festive atmosphere turned to shock, with tearful visitors passing by her.
An eyewitness told t-online that “the police and fire department quickly and effectively took control of the situation. The evacuation proceeded calmly.” Furthermore, a musician on stage played a crucial role in the evacuation by calmly informing the festival-goers that “a knife attacker is on the loose,” although it was unclear “where he went.” The musician then calmly asked everyone to leave the area quietly and to look out for one another.
Statements from city officials
Solingen’s mayor, Tim Kurzbach, also commented on the incident, writing on Facebook: “Tonight, all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror, and deep sorrow.” NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) arrived at the scene on Friday night to assess the situation. Minister-President Hendrik Wüst described the attack as “an act of brutal and senseless violence.” He stated that the attack had “hit our country at its heart” in a post on the platform X.
North Rhine-Westphalia is united in shock and mourning. “In these dark hours, the people of our state and beyond have their hearts and thoughts in Solingen,” the CDU politician continued. “A big thank you goes to the many emergency responders and our police, who are fighting to save lives at this moment.”
According to the “Solinger Tageblatt,” authorities have asked the people of Solingen to leave the city center. The festival, which was originally scheduled to run through Sunday, has been completely canceled, as announced by the city.
