Islamic State claims responsibility for knife attack that left three dead and seven injured in western Germany
Authorities arrested a 15-year-old boy after two women reported overhearing a conversation where he discussed the plans for the attack. A 26-year-old Syrian man turned himself in to authorities.
A sign reading "Why?" at a citizen-made memorial near the place where at least three people were killed when a man attacked them with a knife in Solingen, Germany.
This Saturday, the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a knife attack perpetrated Friday in Solingen, Germany, which left three dead and eight wounded. The attack, which took place in the historic city center during Solingen's 650th anniversary celebration, has shocked the nation and raised fears of a possible terrorist act.
Meanwhile, the main suspect in the attack turned himself in to the authorities and confessed to his act. He is a 26-year-old Syrian man.
The attack
Last Friday afternoon, thousands of people gathered in a central plaza to take part in the festival when an individual armed with a knife began attacking people at random. Among the victims were a woman and two men.
Hours later, the Islamic State, through its Amaq News Agency, claimed responsibility for the attack. According to a statement issued on Telegram, the perpetrator of the attack was a "soldier of the Islamic State" who acted "to avenge Muslims in Palestine and everywhere." Although the identity of the attacker was not disclosed, the group claimed that Christians were the target.
Investigation and police response
The director of the police operation, Thorsten Fleiss, described the process of gathering evidence and witness testimony as a "great challenge," given the confusing circumstances and widespread panic at the scene.
On Saturday, a 15-year-old was arrested in Solingen after police received information from two women who claimed to have overheard a suspicious conversation before the attack. According to them, the teen was discussing plans for the attack. Authorities also raided a home for asylum seekers in central Solingen, looking for possible connections to the incident.
Anti-terrorism prosecutor Markus Caspers told a news conference that while a clear motive has not yet been identified, a terrorist act cannot be ruled out.
Reactions and security measures
The attack sent shockwaves through Germany. Interior and Social Affairs Minister Nancy Faeser visited Solingen and assured that the government would do everything possible to support the city and its inhabitants. "We will not allow such an awful attack that divides our society," said Faeser. She was accompanied by North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, who called the attack "an act of terror against the security and freedom of this country."
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