Several people died and many others were injured after multiple knife attacks in the western German city of Solingen during the celebration of the city's 650th anniversary, according to official sources and reported by EFE.
According to initial reports, there are at least three dead and several seriously injured, while the police are searching for the perpetrator of the attack who is still on the run.
The celebration, dubbed the “Diversity Festival,” has been canceled, while roads are closed and city residents have been told to stay home, it was reported. Image Journal citing local police. The scene of the attack was a busy square in the city centre, where a stage had been set up and live bands were playing for the party.
For the 650th anniversary of Solingen, at least 80,000 visitors were expected this weekend.
The city's mayor, Tim Kurzbach, posted a message on Facebook and Instagram saying that the city's residents are “in shock,” with “fear and sadness.” “We wanted to celebrate the city's anniversary and now we have to mourn the dead,” he said, offering his condolences to both the victims and those who had to attend the event.