Solingen, Germany – A joyous celebration turned into a tragedy on Friday, August 23, 2024, when a knife attack at Solingen’s 650th anniversary festival, "Festival of Diversity," claimed the lives of three individuals and left eight others injured, five of them seriously. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. local time in the city’s central plaza, Fronhof, during what was supposed to be a weekend-long celebration of unity and cultural exchange.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul visited the crime scene shortly after the attack, expressing deep sorrow and frustration. "None of us knows why," Reul said, visibly moved by the horrific event. He described the attack as "a very terrible event" and noted that the assailant had seemingly attacked people at random, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The police have launched a large-scale manhunt for the attacker, who remains at large. Special units and a significant number of forces have been deployed around Solingen’s city center in an effort to capture the perpetrator. Despite the intense search, details about the suspect remain unclear, and authorities have yet to determine a motive.
The attack took place during a busy time at the festival, which had drawn large crowds to the Fronhof. The festival’s organizer, Philipp Müller, addressed attendees following the attack, urging them to remain calm and vigilant as the suspect had not yet been apprehended. "Go calmly; please keep your eyes open because, unfortunately, the perpetrator hasn’t been caught," Müller advised.
As the investigation continues, the community is grappling with the aftermath of this senseless violence. Solingen’s mayor, Tim Kurzbach, took to Facebook to share his grief, writing, "It breaks my heart 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."
Other residents also expressed their sorrow on social media. Krista Liebe posted, "It breaks my heart," reflecting the widespread grief felt throughout the community.
The "Festival of Diversity," meant to celebrate Solingen’s rich cultural heritage, has instead become a reminder of the vulnerability of public gatherings. Authorities continue to search for answers and the perpetrator, as the city mourns those lost in the attack.