A suspect remains at large after a deadly and random attack on festival-goers in the West German city of Solingen.
Three people have been killed and four others seriously injured in a stabbing attack at a festival in the western German city of Solingen, authorities said.
Police said an unidentified man attacked several people with a knife around 10 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT) on Friday, and that the perpetrator is at large.
Police said the attack happened at a festival celebrating the 650th anniversary of Solingen in Germany’s most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which borders the Netherlands.
Fatal stabbings and shootings are relatively rare in Germany.
“It breaks my heart that our city was attacked. Tears come to my eyes when I think of those we have lost,” said Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach. In a statement. “I pray for everyone who is still fighting for their lives.”
“This evening, we all face shock, horror and great sadness in Solingen. We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and wounded,” Kurzbach wrote.
Bild newspaper reported that the assailant fled the scene after randomly attacking festival-goers.
The attack took place at the Fraunhof market square in Solingen where live music was taking place. Law enforcement has cordoned off the city center as investigations continue.
A video circulating on social media appeared to show festival organizer Philip Müller at the event, announcing that nine people were fighting for their lives after the attack.
The “Festival of Diversity” began on Friday and was planned as a weekend event designed to celebrate the city’s 650th birthday.
