Authorities in Germany have detained two individuals in connection to a knife attack in Solingen, which resulted in the deaths of three people and left eight others injured. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the assault.
The incident occurred during a festival marking Solingen’s 650th anniversary.
ISIS described the attacker as a “soldier of the Islamic State” who targeted Christians, allegedly attacking on Friday to “avenge Muslims in Palestine and elsewhere.” However, this claim remains unverified, with no concrete evidence linking the group to the attack.
German police arrest two individuals following deadly Solingen attack during anniversary festival
On Sunday, the state’s interior minister announced the arrest of one suspect. The individual was taken into custody at a refugee shelter near the attack site, located 15 miles east of Dusseldorf. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect is a refugee or directly responsible for the attack.
“We’ve been pursuing a strong lead all day,” Interior Minister Herbert Reul told Tagesschau, a German news program. “We have now detained the person we’ve been searching for,” he added.
Investigators have reportedly gathered evidence and clues regarding the incident. Additionally, prior to the main arrest, police detained a 15-year-old boy suspected of having knowledge of the planned attack but failing to report it.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of two men, aged 67 and 56, and a 56-year-old woman. Reports suggest the attacker deliberately targeted their throats.
The festival, which expected a crowd of 75,000, featured music, theater, and food from around the world. Officials are considering terrorism as a possible motive and are urging the public to avoid spreading misinformation.
German leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, strongly condemned the attack. Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach also expressed sorrow, stating the city was gripped by “shock, horror, and deep sadness.”
