A knife attack at the Festival of Diversity in Solingen, Germany on Friday, August 23, 2024, left three people dead and eight others injured. 

The festival, held at the city’s central square, Fronhof, was interrupted by the violent assault, which occurred during celebrations of Solingen’s 650th anniversary. 

Emergency services received calls shortly after 9:30 p.m. local time, reporting chaos as the attacker indiscriminately stabbed festival-goers near one of the event stages. The victims included two men, aged 67 and 56, and a 56-year-old woman. Several of the eight injured remain in serious condition, according to local authorities.

Following a large-scale manhunt, a 26-year-old Syrian man named Issa Al H. turned himself in to the police the next day, claiming responsibility for the attack. German prosecutors believe the suspect acted on radical Islamist beliefs and was influenced by the Islamic State extremist group. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has since taken over the investigation, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. Federal prosecutors stated that, driven by his radical Islamist ideology, Issa Al H. aimed to kill as many people as possible, whom he viewed as non-believers, during the city festival.

The Islamic State group later claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the assailant targeted Christians in an act of revenge for Muslims. Authorities are still investigating the credibility of this claim but confirmed that the attack appeared deliberate, with the suspect reportedly aiming for the victims’ necks.

Soligen Mayor Tim Kurzbach shared that the people of Solingen are experiencing shock, horror, and immense sadness on what was supposed to be a celebratory evening for the city’s anniversary. Instead, they are left mourning the loss of lives and the injuries caused. He shared his deep sorrow, expressing how affected he is by the attack, with thoughts for those still fighting for survival. 

Mayor Kurzbach also empathized with those who witnessed the traumatic event, acknowledging the distress it must have caused. He thanked the rescue and security forces for their efforts and asked the community to pray or hope for recovery and healing.

Minister-President Hendrik Wüst described the attack as an act of senseless and brutal violence that has shaken the country deeply.

Solingen, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is known for its steel industry and diverse population. The festival, originally intended to run through Sunday, was canceled as police secured the area and continued their investigation.

Germany has experienced an increase in knife violence in recent years, prompting calls for tighter regulations on weapons that can be carried in public. The Solingen attack has reignited debates over immigration and national security, particularly in light of upcoming regional elections.