German authorities have identified Issa Al H, a suspected Islamic State (IS) member, as the person who confessed to the mass knife attack in Solingen, Germany. Privacy regulations have limited the disclosure of his identity to his initials and first names. The 26-year-old Syrian national surrendered and admitted responsibility for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of three people and the injury of eight others during a festival celebrating Solingen’s 650-year history.
The attack, which occurred on Friday evening, shocked the nation. A 56-year-old woman and two men, aged 56 and 67, were fatally wounded, while four of the injured remain in critical condition. On Saturday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned as a truly heinous act. Issa Al H is currently under investigation for suspected membership in a terrorist organization, attempted assassination, and murder. He fled the conflict in Syria and arrived in Germany in December 2022. According to German media, he surrendered to the authorities while wearing bloodstained clothing.
The assault forced authorities to evacuate around Solingen’s central market square, Fronhof. Solingen, known for its steel industry, is 25 kilometers east of Düsseldorf and has about 160,000 residents. The city canceled its three-day anniversary celebration, expected to attract 75,000 people because of the catastrophe. Herbert Reul, the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, confirmed Issa Al H’s detention late on Saturday. Special task force officers searched a refugee center linked to the suspect, leading to the arrest of another individual. Authorities also apprehended a 15-year-old youth on suspicion of having prior knowledge of the assault.
Mayor Tim Kurzbach of Solingen expressed his profound distress, stating that the entire city is mourning and lamenting the loss of life. He also implored those who are still fighting for survival to remain strong. The mass knife attack in Germany has intensified debates on immigration and asylum policies in Germany, especially before regional elections. Solingen’s residents continue to mourn and struggle with the tragedy.
