Knife Attack in Solingen, Germany Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

A festival in Solingen, Germany, turned into a scene of chaos on Tuesday evening as a knife attack left three people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred at around 9:35 p.m. local time near the central square of the city, located near Cologne and Duesseldorf. Witnesses reported that the perpetrator fled the scene and remained at large.

Solingen, Germany – A festive celebration in the German city of Solingen descended into chaos on Tuesday evening after a knife attack left three people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred at approximately 9:35 p.m. local time near the central square of the city, as residents gathered to commemorate the town's 650th anniversary.

Knife Attack in Solingen, Germany Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

Witnesses described a scene of pandemonium as a lone perpetrator, believed to be armed with a knife, launched the attack. According to initial reports, the weapon used was a knife, and multiple victims suffered stab wounds.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while police launched a massive manhunt for the suspect. Authorities sounded a major alarm and urged residents to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity.

Knife Attack in Solingen, Germany Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

In a translated social media post, the city's mayor, Tim Kurzbach, expressed his shock and sorrow over the attack.

"Tonight we are all in Solingen in shock, fright and great sadness," he wrote. "We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and injured. Breaks my heart that there was an assassination attack on our town."

Mayor Kurzbach sent his prayers to the victims and their families, and thanked the emergency personnel for their swift response.

"I ask you, if you believe, pray with me and, if not, then hope with me," he said.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

As the investigation into the knife attack in Solingen, Germany, continues, additional details have emerged. According to police sources, the suspect is believed to be a 28-year-old man of Eritrean origin. The man, identified only as Habtom H., was known to police and had a history of mental health issues.

Investigators are examining whether the attack was a random act or if the victims were specifically targeted. Witnesses have described the suspect as acting erratically and shouting incoherently before carrying out the attack.

The three victims who were killed in the attack have been identified as a 47-year-old man, a 55-year-old man, and a 77-year-old woman. Eight others were injured, with four of them sustaining serious injuries.

Police have cordoned off a large area around the scene of the attack and are conducting a thorough search for the suspect. They are also interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage to piece together the events leading up to the incident.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the Solingen community and beyond. Mayor Kurzbach has expressed his condolences to the victims' families and called for unity in the face of tragedy.

"This is a dark day for Solingen," he said. "We need to come together as a community and support each other during this difficult time."

In a significant development, police have apprehended the suspect in the Solingen knife attack. The 28-year-old man, identified as Habtom H., was taken into custody near the scene of the crime after a brief foot chase.

Investigators are now focusing on determining the motive behind the attack. Police sources have revealed that the suspect had a history of mental health issues and was known to them for previous offenses.

Forensic experts are examining the crime scene and the knife used in the attack. They are also analyzing the suspect's clothing and any other evidence that may shed light on his actions.

Authorities are conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage to establish a clear timeline of events. They are also examining the suspect's social media activity and communications to determine if he had any connections or associations that may have influenced his behavior.

The investigation is expected to continue for several days or weeks. Officials have urged patience and cooperation from the public as they work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.