A brutal knife attack at the “Festival of Diversity” in Solingen, Germany, left three people dead and four seriously injured on Friday night, sparking a massive manhunt for the assailant.
The attack, which police are treating as a terrorist incident, occurred around 9:45 p.m. in the usually peaceful Fronhof central square, which was packed with festivalgoers celebrating the city’s 650th anniversary.
The suspect, who remains at large, targeted random passersby, stabbing them in the neck. The victims, a woman and two men from Solingen and nearby Düsseldorf, were killed in the attack. Local police have warned residents to remain cautious, as the suspect is still on the run.
The festive atmosphere quickly turned to chaos as the attacker struck near the main stage, where a large crowd had gathered. Emergency services, including armed special police units and helicopters, responded swiftly, but the attacker managed to escape. No arrests have been made, and police have not released a description of the suspect, citing the shock of witnesses as a challenge.
The attack has shocked the community and prompted a heavy police presence throughout the city. Road crossings have been closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors. The festival, which was expected to draw 80,000 visitors over three days, has been cancelled.
Local and national leaders expressed their grief and outrage. North Rhine-Westphalia State Premier Hendrik Wüst described the incident as an “act of brutal and senseless violence,” while Interior Minister Herbert Reul visited the scene and expressed his sorrow for the victims and their families.
The attack comes amid growing concerns about knife violence in Germany. The country has witnessed several knife-related incidents in recent months, prompting calls for stricter regulations on carrying blades in public.
As Solingen mourns, authorities continue their search for the attacker, urging the public to remain vigilant in the face of an ongoing threat.