Three people were killed and at least five were seriously wounded in a knife attack at a festival in Solingen, Germany, on Friday, Aug. 23, the Associated Press and NBC News report.
Authorities were notified around 9:30 p.m. local time that an unidentified person had wounded several people with a knife in the central square, known as the Fronhof, at the “Festival of Diversity.”
Authorities have little information on the assailant, who is reportedly still on the run.
The number of seriously injured is at five, but the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state top security official, Herbert Reul, gave a figure of six injured in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 24, local time, per the Associated Press.
“None of us knows why” the attack took place, Ruel said. “I can’t say anything about the motive now,” he said of the attacker, noting the person fled the scene “relatively quickly.”
After the attack, festival organizer Philipp Müller appeared on stage and asked festival goers to “Go calmly; please keep your eyes open because, unfortunately, the perpetrator hasn’t been caught,” per the AP. Müller said many people had been wounded by “a knifeman.”
Surrounding streets were closed off as police and emergency responders arrived on the scene, including at least one helicopter.
Solingen, Germany attack.
Thomas Banneyer/picture alliance via Getty
“This evening we are all in shock, horror and great sadness in Solingen. We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together and now we have to mourn dead and injured people,” Mayor Tim Kurzbach said in a statement, per NBC News.
“It breaks my heart that there was an attack on our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we lost. I pray for everyone who is still fighting for their lives,” he said.
“I also have great sympathy for all the people who had to witness this; it must have been terrible images. I thank all the rescue and security forces for their efforts,” Kurzbach said. “I ask you, if you believe, to pray with me and if not, then to hope with me.”
Hendrik Wüst, the minister-president of North Rhine-Westphalia, added, “An act of brutal and senseless violence has struck our country at the heart.”
The city was celebrating its 650th anniversary, and festivities were intended to run from Friday through Sunday. Solingen is located in North Rhine-Westphalia and is approximately 340 miles southwest of Berlin.
Solingen, Germany attack.
INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty
