Three people were killed and four seriously injured in a knife attack on the 650th anniversary of the city of Solingen. “The perpetrator has fled,” a police spokesman in Dusseldorf said. Police circles said the case was no longer classified as an act of rampage, but as an assault.
The police raised a major alarm. Helicopters are in the air. Officers are currently at the scene with weapons drawn and securing it. Checkpoints have been set up throughout the city. Secrecy walls have been erected. The crime scene is the Frohnhof – a market square in the city center of Solingen. There is a stage for live music.
Attack on the “Festival of Diversity” in Solingen
According to the “Solinger Tageblatt”, the authorities have asked the people of Solingen to leave the city center. The festival is over for now. Sirens could be heard around the city center. A reporter from the “Solinger Tageblatt” described: “The atmosphere is eerie.” In just a few minutes, the cheerful celebration turned into shock and was greeted by tearful visitors.
The “festival of diversity” began on Friday on the occasion of the 650th birthday of the city of Solingen. It should last until Sunday. The announcement states: “Solingen Mitte will become one big festival mile: there will be festivities from Neumarkt to Fronhof to Mühlenplatz.” On the streets, visitors can expect a program with music, cabaret, acrobatics, handicrafts, entertainment for children and much more.