A deadly stabbing took place at a festival celebrating the 650th anniversary of Solingen in West Germany on Friday evening. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which left four of the six victims in life-threatening conditions.
Who is responsible for the attack?
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Syrian national Issa Al H., surrendered to police on Saturday. He confessed to the attack and had previously applied for asylum in Germany.
German federal prosecutors have taken over the investigation, issuing an arrest warrant for Al H. He faces charges including three counts of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, and causing serious bodily harm.
Prosecutors say Al H. was motivated by ISIS ideology and wanted to kill as many people as possible at the festival. He stabbed them multiple times in the neck and upper body.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul confirmed that evidence had been collected. Police conducted an investigation throughout the day, including a search of the refugee shelter where Al H. was staying.
Police had previously arrested a 15-year-old boy and another man in connection with the attack. But neither is believed to be the main attacker. The 15-year-old is suspected of knowing about this in advance. Two witnesses reported that he discussed plans for the assault.
ISIS news agency Amaq described the attacker as an “Islamic State soldier” seeking revenge against Muslims around the world. The attack took place at 9.40pm during the Diversity Festival, which has been cancelled for the rest of the weekend.
How it all happened
DJ Tobias Topik, who was performing at the time, said security personnel asked him to keep playing to prevent panic despite the unfolding violence. He continued playing for about 15 minutes before taking cover with others as police helicopters circled above.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his deep sorrow and called for the gunman to be arrested and punished as soon as possible.
Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach and Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst also expressed their shock and sympathy. They stressed their solidarity with the victims and the city’s residents.
The attack left the city of about 150,000 people, about 16 miles northeast of Cologne, in mourning and bewilderment
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/deadly-knife-attack-festival-germany-rcna168050