**German Police Make Second Arrest in Connection to Fatal Stabbings in Solingen**
German police have made a second arrest in connection to the deadly stabbings that took place in the western city of Solingen. The arrest came after a police operation at a home for refugees in Solingen, according to a spokesperson. However, further details about the individual or their connection to the incident have not been provided at this time.
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the Solingen stabbings, stating that the attack was carried out by one of its members as a form of revenge for Muslims in Palestine and around the world. While the group has made this claim, it has not provided any evidence to support it, and the relationship between the attacker and Islamic State remains unclear. It is important to note that in the past, accounts claiming to speak for Islamic State have falsely claimed responsibility for similar atrocities.
Earlier, German police had stated that they did not rule out a “terrorist motive” in the mass stabbing that occurred at a festival on Friday night. A 15-year-old individual was detained in connection to the attack, but authorities believe he is not the prime suspect. Public prosecutor Markus Caspers stated that the teenager is currently suspected of failing to report a crime and allegedly spoke with the perpetrator shortly before the incident.
The attack in Solingen resulted in the deaths of a 56-year-old woman and two men aged 56 and 67 from the region. Police have found at least one weapon that may have been used in the assault and are conducting DNA analysis on it. Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any footage or information about the attack, setting up a website and telephone hotline for this purpose.
**Chancellor Olaf Scholz Reacts to the Tragic Event**
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock and solidarity with the city of Solingen following the tragic event. He stated that he stands with the city in mourning the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured individuals. Scholz emphasized the importance of capturing the perpetrator quickly and ensuring that they face the full extent of the law for their actions.
Authorities have deployed a large contingent, including helicopters, to search for the male assailant who fled the scene of the attack. Road checkpoints have been established, and the public has been urged to remain vigilant and cautious. The interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state, Herbert Reul, warned against speculation about the perpetrator’s background, stressing the need for a thorough investigation to determine the motives behind the attack.
The mass stabbing took place at a festival that was intended to run through to Sunday, attracting up to 25,000 people each day with a variety of entertainment options. Following the incident, the rest of the festival was cancelled, along with weekend festivities in nearby towns. Witnesses reported that the assailant used a knife to attack people at random in a crowd gathered for the festival at the central square in Solingen.
**Eyewitness Accounts and Reactions**
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene that unfolded during the attack, with many expressing shock and disbelief at the violence that occurred. German DJ Topic, who was performing on stage during the festival, recounted being informed of the attack by security personnel and continuing his set to prevent mass panic. He described the harrowing experience of being in close proximity to the assailant and the subsequent lockdown as police searched for the perpetrator.
Sascha Mosig, a security guard at the festival, recalled the moment he saw people running towards him, some covered in blood, and screaming about a knife attack. He rushed to the main square to assist and was confronted with the sight of lifeless bodies and injured individuals in shock. Another witness, Lars Breitzke, recounted the moment when the attack unfolded, noting the suddenness of the violence and the aftermath of the victims lying on the ground.
In the aftermath of the attack, authorities called for calm as festivalgoers left the city centre, with witnesses complying with the instructions to avoid a crush. The atmosphere in the normally bustling shopping district was described as “ghostly” by those present, with armed police guarding the security perimeter to ensure the safety of the public.
Solingen, a city with approximately 160,000 inhabitants located near major cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf, is reeling from the tragic events that occurred during what was supposed to be a celebratory festival. German officials, including federal health minister Karl Lauterbach and foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, expressed shock and condemnation of the attack, calling for swift justice for the victims and their families.
**Government Response and Security Measures**
The federal interior minister, Nancy Faeser, reassured the public that security authorities are doing everything possible to apprehend the perpetrator and uncover the motives behind the attack. Germany has experienced a series of knife attacks in recent months, prompting Faeser to pledge a crackdown on knife crime through a reformed weapons law.
In May, German police were forced to shoot and wound a man who injured six people in a knife attack at a right-wing demonstration in Mannheim. Among the victims was a 29-year-old policeman who tragically lost his life while intervening in the incident. These incidents have heightened concerns about public safety and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent future acts of violence.
As the investigation into the Solingen stabbings continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The city of Solingen is grappling with the aftermath of the attack, with residents and officials alike expressing shock and disbelief at the senseless violence that unfolded during what was meant to be a joyous celebration. The search for the perpetrator is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to bring the individual to justice and provide closure to the victims and their families.
