Germany stabbing: Three killed, several injured in Solingen festival attack
PTC Web Desk: At least three persons were killed and several others injured in a stabbing rampage in Solingen, Germany, on Friday evening during a local festival celebrating the city's 650th anniversary. The attacker, who remains unidentified, fled the scene immediately after the incident. The authorities have launched a manhunt to arrest the accused.
The attack occurred as residents gathered to celebrate the historic milestone of Solingen, a city with a population of 160,000, located near Cologne and Düsseldorf. The local police have advised people to evacuate the area as they continue their search for the accused.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Solingen's Mayor Tim Kurzbach expressed his deep sorrow and shock. "Tonight, all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror, and great sadness. We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and injured," Kurzbach wrote. "It breaks my heart that an attack has happened in our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we've lost. I pray for all those still fighting for their lives. My greatest sympathy goes out to everyone who had to experience this; these images must have been horrific."
This tragic event in Solingen follows a similar incident in Germany earlier this year. In May, several people, including a police officer, were injured in Mannheim after an unidentified attacker launched a knife attack at a right-wing demonstration. The attack occurred as an elderly man was preparing to address the protest, which was organized by anti-Islam activist Michael Stuerzenberger. Stuerzenberger, who describes himself as an Islam-critical journalist, has been associated with several far-right, anti-Islam organisations, including the PEGIDA movement, which holds regular marches in various German cities, particularly in the east.
- With inputs from agencies
