Three killed in stabbing attack at party in West Germany | Celebrating the 650th anniversary of the city of Solingen

Three people were killed and four others seriously injured this Friday when a man attacked with a knife during a municipal festival in Solingen, western Germany. Security forces launched a “major operation” to track down the suspect with an “extensive cordon” at the scene of the incident..

“The attacker accidentally stabbed people,” another police spokesman said. The condition of 3 of the injured is critical. The public party was part of an event celebrating Solingen’s 650th anniversary.

“It breaks my heart”

In a statement posted online, Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the city was “shocked, horrified and in great pain”. “We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together and now cry for the dead and injured,” he added. “The attack in our town breaks my heart. Tears come to my eyes when I think of those we have lost. I pray for those who are still fighting for their lives.”He said.

Municipal officials expect 75,000 visitors over the three-day event. After the attack, one of the organizers asked the public to leave the area and said emergency teams were trying to save many people.

A witness explained that he was close to the stage and “understood by the singer’s expression that something was wrong, and then, a meter away from me, someone collapsed.”A person identified as Lars Breitrzke explained. At first thought to be a drunk, he turned around to see other bystanders lying on the ground and bloodstained on the floor.

Germany has seen a spate of knife attacks in the past year, prompting Interior Minister Nancy Fasser to vow to put an end to the crimes.

The country faces a dual security threat: on the one hand, jihadist attacks and, on the other, the activities of far-right groups.