In Solingen, Germany, a stabbing attack at a festival on Friday night has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incident occurred at the festival celebrating the town’s 650th anniversary. The attacker reportedly targeted passers-by at random.
Authorities have confirmed that at least three people are dead and several others are wounded. The perpetrator is currently at large. The city’s mayor, Tim-Oliver Kurzbach, expressed his grief, stating that the attack has deeply affected the community.
The festival took place at Fronhof, a market square known for live music. The German police have not provided further details. Solingen is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, a state with a high population density that borders the Netherlands.
Fatal stabbings and shootings are relatively rare in Germany, though there have been notable incidents in recent years, including attacks on police officers and on public transportation. The German government is working to tighten regulations on public knife carry limits in response to such incidents.