Authorities have identified the suspect in a deadly stabbing spree in Solingen, western Germany, as a 26-year-old Syrian man. The attack, which occurred during a festival celebrating the city’s 650-year history, left three people dead and eight injured. The suspect turned himself in and admitted to the crime, according to a joint statement by Duesseldorf police and prosecutors, who noted that his involvement is under thorough investigation.
The arrest followed a 24-hour manhunt, and the suspect is reportedly linked to a refugee home in Solingen, which authorities searched on Saturday. Der Spiegel, citing unnamed security sources, reported that the suspect’s clothing was stained with blood, though police have not commented on this detail.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, describing the perpetrator as a “soldier of the Islamic State” who acted in “revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere,” via its Telegram channel. However, the group did not provide evidence to support this claim, leaving the nature of the suspect’s connection to the group unclear.
Hendrik Wuest, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, condemned the incident as an act of terror.
