Suspect Arrested in Solingen Stabbing Rampage That Left Three Dead and Eight Injured
Solingen, Germany – A 26-year-old Syrian man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing rampage that took place in Solingen on Friday night, leaving three people dead and eight others injured. Authorities confirmed the arrest early Sunday after the suspect turned himself in.
The attack, which occurred during a festival celebrating Solingen’s 650th anniversary, shocked the community and led to an extensive manhunt. The suspect's involvement is under intense investigation, according to a joint statement by Düsseldorf police and prosecutors.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister, Herbert Reul, announced the arrest late Saturday after authorities followed a critical lead throughout the day. Reul emphasized that earlier arrests made in connection with the case were likely not of the perpetrator, but confirmed that the real suspect was now in custody and being questioned, with evidence seized for further analysis.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of terrorism. Public prosecutor Markus Caspers noted that the assailant did not appear to know his victims, heightening concerns about a potential terrorist motive.
The victims of the attack, which took place in the city’s central square, included a 56-year-old woman and two men, aged 56 and 67, all from the local area. Eight others were injured, four of them seriously. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, with the attacker allegedly targeting the throats of his victims.
The assault occurred during a festival meant to run through the weekend, drawing up to 25,000 attendees daily with live music, cabaret acts, and entertainment for children. Following the attack, the remainder of the festival and other weekend events in nearby towns were canceled as a mark of respect and for safety reasons.
Witnesses to the attack described scenes of panic and bloodshed. Sascha Mosig, a security worker at the festival, recounted seeing people covered in blood running towards him and hearing someone scream, “Knife.” He rushed to help but was met with a scene of devastation. “Blood was everywhere,” he said. “You know these images from war. This was one.”
German DJ Topic, who was performing on stage during the attack, shared his experience on Instagram, explaining that he was asked to continue his set to avoid causing mass panic. “I still can’t believe it … this was supposed to be a free festival for everyone,” he said, expressing his shock and sorrow for the victims.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was "shocked" by the "terrible event" and stood with the city in mourning. He also called for swift justice, underscoring the need to address rising knife violence in Germany.
The police have set up a hotline and a website for witnesses to submit any footage or information related to the incident, urging people not to post sensitive material directly to social media.
As investigations continue, Solingen remains in mourning, grappling with the aftermath of an attack that has left a deep scar on the community.