The guesswork continues about the identity of the knife attacker in Solingen, who killed three people and injured eight, some seriously. In the meantime, it has become known from witness statements that one injured person even claims to have recognized the perpetrator. He should ‘visit the local mosque’.
At the German city’s anniversary festival, the attacker, who was still on the run, stabbed several people celebrating in front of the festival stage on Friday night. Three of them died from their injuries.
Two men and a woman killed
According to the police, the dead were two men aged 67 and 56 and a 56-year-old woman. Eight people were injured, four of whom were still in critical condition on Saturday.
Little is known about the perpetrator. The man managed to escape in the commotion and initial panic that followed the crime in the busy city center. He is said to be between 20 and 30 years old and to have a southern appearance. He also had an athletic build and a thick, short beard; he stood out because of his black clothing and a cap.
The perpetrator is said to have shouted “Allahu Akbar”.
However, German media are now reporting on several witness statements that could provide further clues to the perpetrator. He is said to have shouted “Allahu Akbar” (German: “God is great”) before the crime, “Welt” reports, citing a police report.
One injured person even stated that they “knew the unknown suspect from Solingen” and that he was also a visitor to a local mosque. There is no official confirmation of this; the executive branch remained in the background on Saturday “for investigative reasons”. However, a large police force is currently searching for the fugitive murderer.
Arrested teen remains silent
The police assume that it is a lone perpetrator. However, a 15-year-old boy was arrested. Witness statements show that a previously unknown person spoke to the youngster shortly before the crime about intentions that would fit in with committing the crime. Whether this person was the perpetrator is unknown, says senior public prosecutor Markus Caspers. The boy who was arrested in a refugee shelter and is said to come from Kyrgyzstan has so far kept quiet.
“No other motive than terror”
According to the police, the investigation is continuing “in all directions”. There were also several house searches “in the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia”. The investigation was into three murders and eight attempted murders.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the initial suspicion of a terrorist background stems from the fact that “no other motive can be identified”. The victims “had no relationship with each other.” The police presence had been increased, it was said.
In any case, people in Solingen were asked to be careful in the city center. “Anyone who sees something suspicious should not act on their own initiative, but rather call 110,” the police said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
