Knife Attack Mars Solingen's 650th Anniversary Festival

A knife-wielding attacker killed three people and seriously injured at least five during the 'Festival of Diversity' in Solingen, Germany. The attacker remains at large, prompting a city-wide manhunt. Solingen's mayor expressed shock over the incident, which forced the festival's cancellation.

A knife-wielding attacker killed three people and seriously injured at least five late Friday at a festival in Solingen, Germany, authorities said.

Witnesses alerted police around 9:30 p.m. when an unknown man began stabbing people indiscriminately at the Fronhof central square. Police believe he acted alone and remains at large.

Festival organizer Philipp Müller urged attendees to leave calmly, noting that the assailant had not been caught. Emergency services, including helicopters and numerous vehicles, quickly flooded the scene.

The region's top security official, Herbert Reul, reported six critically injured individuals. 'None of us knows why' the attack occurred, he stated, adding that the suspect fled swiftly.

Mayor Tim Kurzbach lamented on social media about the city's celebration being marred by violence, calling it heart-wrenching. The 'Festival of Diversity' was intended to run through Sunday but has now been cancelled.

Solingen, a city near Cologne and Duesseldorf, is under increased scrutiny amid rising knife violence in Germany. The attack follows similar incidents, leading to proposals for stricter knife laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)