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Commemoration in Solingen: Remembering the victims of the terrorist attack
Commemorative event in Solingen on the anniversary of a terrorist attack: grief, solidarity and political reactions characterize the commemoration ceremony.
Commemoration in Solingen: Remembering the victims of the terrorist attack
On August 23, 2025, moving memorial events took place in Solingen to commemorate the devastating events of the previous year. A suspected Islamist terrorist attack cost three people their lives and injured numerous others during the city festival on August 23, 2024. Hundreds of people gathered at the memorial plaque in front of the Protestant town church at Fronhof to mourn together and commemorate the victims. This meeting was more than just an act of remembrance; it was a sign against forgetting.
Mayor Tim Kurzbach (SPD) and North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) took a clear stance at the funeral service. Kurzbach emphasized the importance of allowing both sadness and joy and expressed his deep condolences to the relatives. Prime Minister Wüst explained the attack as an attack on the values of an open society and thanked the rescue workers who were on site immediately after the incident. At the time of the attack, at 9:37 p.m., the bells rang three times, followed by a moment of silence that united the grieving community in shared reflection.
The caught perpetrator and the ongoing trial
The suspected perpetrator, Issa al H., was arrested 25 hours after the attack and has been standing before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court since May on charges of murder and attempted murder. The process could come to a conclusion as early as September. In his speech, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) warned of the dangers of Islamism in Germany and promised to continue to be vigilant. This shows how seriously the security situation in our country is taken.
In order to combat such threats, the state government has decided on a package of measures worth almost 100 million euros to strengthen the police and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. A central point in the discussion is the introduction of data retention to combat terrorism in order to put victim protection above data protection. To this end, the Union and the SPD are committed to requiring telecommunications providers to store IP addresses for three months in order to sustainably improve the security situation.
The way forward and support for those affected
The political landscape makes it clear that the fight against extremism and terrorism is a priority task for the federal government. This is underlined by new structures to support those affected, such as the Federal Victims' Commissioner and Victims' Commissioners in several federal states. The recently adopted reforms in social compensation law also show that the state is striving to improve the living conditions of the victims.
Under these reforms, anyone suffering from terrorist or extremist attacks will receive support in the form of financial assistance, medical treatment and other necessary social services. The now introduced national day of remembrance on March 11th will also help to create a space for remembrance and sympathy in the future and can also be seen as a central element of support for the victims.
Solingen remains a symbol of cohesion and resilience. The people there refuse to be intimidated and insist that their festivals be celebrated proudly and loudly, even in times of mourning. On this special day, not only are the dead remembered, but the message is also sent that the community is strong and sticks together.