Attack in Solingen: ISIS claims responsibility for the attack during the Diversity Festival, three dead and eight injured
A 26-year-old Syrian man handed himself over to police after the knife attack in Solingen. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, which disrupted the celebration of the city's 650th anniversary.
Attack in Solingen: ISIS claims responsibility for the attack during the Diversity Festival, three dead and eight injured.
On August 24, 2024, a tragedy has hit the town of Solingen, located in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, during a celebration party for the 650th anniversary of its foundation. The event, known as the Diversity Festival, was scene of a violent knife attack that killed three people and injured eight others. The perpetrator of the attack was identified as Issa Al H., a 26-year-old Syrian who subsequently handed himself in to the police.
The Attack
On Friday evening, at 21pm, the attacker started hitting people at random in the festival crowd, killing two men aged 37 and 67 and a 56-year-old woman, while five other people were seriously injured and still in danger of his life. The killer used a knife to carry out the attack, and immediately afterwards dispersed into the crowd.
The reaction of the police
Initially, the police launched a massive manhunt. The investigation led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy, suspected of having had contact with the attacker. However, shortly thereafter, law enforcement arrested a 36-year-old Syrian man at a nearby asylum center, but it turned out he was not the perpetrator of the attack.
Around 23pm, the real perpetrator of the attack, Issa Al H., approached police officers and turned himself in. He was still covered in blood and declared: “I'm the one you're looking for.” His arrival marked a crucial moment in the investigation. The man had requested asylum in Germany in 2022 and until then he had not been known as a radical Islamist.
The investigations
The weapon used in the attack was found the next day in an area near the attack site. A police dog led investigators from where the knife was found to the residence for asylum seekers. Officers surrounded the building and raided it, arresting several residents and starting interrogations.
During the investigation, it emerged that the attacker may have shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack. ISIS's claim came in the evening via a statement from the jihadist agency Amaq, who declared that the attack was carried out “in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere.” However, authorities have yet to officially confirm the terrorism link.
Reactions and consequences
The attack had a devastating impact on the Solingen community, which was celebrating its anniversary. The festival was immediately canceled and the city was left in mourning. The streets remained half-empty, and the entire nation followed the developments of the investigation with anguish.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a quick conclusion to the investigation and stressed that the person responsible must be punished severely. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his condolences to the mayor of Solingen and reiterated the Republic's commitment against hatred and violence. The Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser assured that all efforts are being made to bring the attacker to justice, and stated that society will not be divided by acts of violence.
The attack highlighted tensions and concerns related to terrorism and public safety in Germany, at a time of celebration and unity. The authorities continue to work to clarify all the details and prevent further similar tragedies.
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