In the twenty-four hours since the knife attack, in which three people died on Friday evening at a “Diversity Party” to mark the 650th anniversary of the founding of SolingenTwo other injured people were fighting between life and death last night and the murderer was still at large. Thanks to the interrogations of witnesses and victims, once assisted by doctors and psychologists, the German police obtained yesterday a first description of the attacker, to at least know that they are looking for a man between 20 and 30 years old, between 1.70 and 1.75 meters tall, southern appearance, athletic build, thick, short and bushy beard. At the time of the attack, he was dressed in black and wearing a cap. The way he stabbed his victims at random, systematically inflicting precise cuts on their necks, indicates that he has some form of training.
According to one of the police reports, “an injured witness stated that the suspect was ‘known from Solingen’ and that he attended a local mosque.” Another witness reported that the suspect shouted “‘Allahu Akbar‘in committing his crimes.’ Police spokesmen acknowledged that there had been several similar statements and called the attack “terrorist,” but would only confirm that officers were working to compare testimonies. Hours later, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
The alleged murder weapon was reportedly found in a trash can in the city center on the same Saturday evening. During the evacuation of FrönhofIn the city centre market square where the scene was set up, several other knives were seized and are being examined.
The centre of Solingen remains under police control and citizens are advised not to leave their homes unless necessary, but dozens of people went to the crime scene yesterday to place flowers and a rainbow flag.
Düsseldorf Police Chief Thorsten Fleisswho is leading the search operation, reported from Wuppertal that the deceased so far were a 67-year-old man, another 56-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, Fleiß confirmed, that it was a fifteen-year-old minor who was arrested early yesterday and that “he is currently being investigated in connection with the crime, although we do not assume that he is the perpetrator.”
Several German media outlets reported that the boy may have been in contact with the murderer and the chief prosecutor of the Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office, Markus Caspersexplained that the detainee “was only accused of not reporting planned crimes.” “It is said that a person spoke with the young man about intentions that could correspond to the crime,” Caspers said, also acknowledging that “the perpetrator, who we assume to be an individual perpetrator, has not yet been identified.” Regarding the possible motive for the crime, Caspers stressed that “we have not yet been able to identify a motive, but based on the general circumstances, we assume that the initial suspicion of an act motivated by terrorism cannot be ruled out.” However, in the face of growing signs of terrorism, the Attorney General resumed the case last night.
The police operation is not limited to Solingen and, according to the police chief, FleissPolice operations are being carried out in North Rhine-Westphalia and throughout Germany, “extensive search and investigation measures” in which federal authorities are also involved. “We ask citizens to pass on all information they have to the police. In particular, by using the help portal. This is much more helpful than sharing it on social media,” Fleiß insisted yesterday.
The Regional Minister of the Interior, Herbert Reulcalled for “staying calm and letting the police do their job; “The investigators are doing everything they can to solve this terrible case.” But his words are not enough for the residents of Solingen. “There is nothing more terrible than knowing that a madman armed with a knife can kill anyone at a party in the center of your city: knowing that this madman is hiding and is still free to commit other crimes,” lamented the employee of a kiosk in the city center, deserted yesterday.
Neighboring towns of HildeNew York Haan They also cancelled the festivals planned for this weekend at very short notice. In addition to the great dismay and sadness of the victims in Solingen, the security situation influenced the decision. “If they don’t catch it quickly, others will feel encouraged to do the same right away,” warns a bakery employee. “Together we are strong,” reads an improvised and optimistic handwritten sign next to the candles in memory of the Fronhof victims.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine upon you and extend his love to you; May the Lord turn his face toward you and grant you peace”, member of the Christian pastoral, coordinated by Madlen Ullmerich and that on Friday night he placed 15 priests at the disposal of the victims.
