A deadly mass stabbing attack occurred at the ‘Festival der Vielfalt’ (Festival of Diversity) in Solingen, Germany, on Friday, August 23, 2024, leaving at least three people dead and several others seriously injured. The attack took place during celebrations for the city’s 650th anniversary, which was expected to attract around 80,000 visitors over the weekend.According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. local time when a man randomly attacked festival-goers with a knife in the city center, near a stage in the central square known as the Fronhof. Philipp Müller, one of the festival organizers, stated that emergency workers were fighting for the lives of nine people.The perpetrator fled the scene immediately after the attack, prompting a large-scale manhunt. Police have launched a massive operation, including the use of helicopters, to secure the area and search for the attacker. As of now, no arrests have been made.In response to the attack, authorities have cancelled the festival, closed roads, and asked residents to stay indoors. A crisis center has been set up at the Kersting café. Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach expressed his grief, saying, ‘It tears my heart apart that there was an attack on our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we have lost. I pray for all those who are still fighting for their lives.’ This incident comes amid a series of knife attacks in Germany over the past 12 months. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had previously promised to crack down on knife crime following a similar attack in Mannheim in late May that killed a police officer and wounded five people. The German government is now considering stricter regulations on carrying knives in public in response to such events.
Key points
- A mass stabbing attack at a festival in Solingen, Germany, left at least three people dead and several injured.
- The attack occurred during the city’s 650th anniversary celebrations, expected to attract 80,000 visitors.
- The perpetrator, who attacked randomly with a knife, is still at large and subject to a large-scale manhunt.
- German authorities are considering stricter regulations on carrying knives in public following this and previous incidents.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of victims.
While most sources report at least three deaths, one source mentions ‘multiple deaths’ without specifying a number.
👾The expected number of festival visitors varies between sources, with some reporting 80,000 and others mentioning 800,000.
