Solingen, Germany — A Syrian refugee who was scheduled to be deported from Germany to Bulgaria has been arrested for a knife attack that left three people dead and eight others injured at a concert on Friday night.
The 26-year-old man, whose name has not been disclosed, turned himself in on Sunday, according to German authorities. The suspect had been living in Solingen after entering Germany in December 2022.
The man initially applied for asylum in Germany after arriving through Bulgaria, where he first entered the European Union.
Under the Dublin Regulation, which governs asylum claims in the EU, refugees must have their claims processed in the first EU country they enter.
Despite this requirement, the planned deportation to Bulgaria in 2023 was unsuccessful, leading to his continued stay in Germany.
On the night of the attack, the suspect allegedly began stabbing people indiscriminately among concertgoers in Solingen. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, with victims trying to flee the assailant’s path.
Among the three fatalities was a young woman in her 20s, while several others suffered severe injuries. The suspect later surrendered to police and is now in custody, facing multiple charges, including murder.
German authorities have stated that there was no prior evidence linking the suspect to Islamic terrorism.
However, the attack has since been claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS), which, through its Telegram channel, described the stabbing spree as “revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere.”
Despite this claim, the German prosecutor’s office has not yet found any direct evidence connecting the suspect to ISIS, and investigations are ongoing.
The incident has raised concerns about potential terrorism in the region, with North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President, Hendrik Wüst, stating that the attack appeared to be “directed against the way of life in North Rhine-Westphalia.”
Wüst added that the random nature of the attack, where victims had no apparent connection to one another, supports the possibility of terrorism.
Germany has faced several attacks by individuals claiming affiliation with terrorist organizations in recent years, which has heightened the public’s anxiety over potential threats.
The Solingen attack has reignited debates over the effectiveness of the asylum and deportation process within the EU, particularly when refugees with rejected asylum claims remain in Germany.
The suspect’s deportation to Bulgaria had been delayed due to procedural issues, and authorities lost track of him for a period before he resurfaced and was relocated to Solingen.
The case highlights ongoing challenges within the Dublin Regulation framework, especially regarding the safe and timely return of asylum seekers to their initial entry points within the EU.
As the investigation continues, German authorities are focusing on uncovering any potential links between the suspect and terrorist organizations, while also addressing broader security concerns related to refugee integration and deportation processes.
The city of Solingen remains in shock as residents mourn the victims and grapple with the tragic events that unfolded during what was meant to be a night of celebration.