Solingen mourns: 1500 people commemorate the victims of the attack

Solingen mourns: 1500 people commemorate the victims of the attack

The city of Solingen shaked a tragic event. On Friday evening, during the celebrations for the 650th anniversary of the city, there was a fatal knife attack, in which both three people lost their lives and eight others were seriously injured. A day after this violent act, around 1,500 people gathered at the Neumarkt to express their grief together.

This public funeral was an emotional testimony to the solidarity of the Solingen citizens. People brought candles and flowers with them and took the opportunity to pray and reflect. Also superintendent Dr. Ilka Werner and City Dechant Mohr were present and led the grief accompaniment. Solingen's mayor Tim Kurzbach also took part and remembered memory with his wife, while those present presented their grief in silent expression.

deeply affected by violence

The severity of the situation also became clear in the words of Mayor Tim Kurzbach: "It helps not to be alone with this infinitely large pain." He emphasized that the community had to stick together in such difficult times. Kurzbach reminded those present that Solingen is a close community in which everyone knows everyone and that the news of the cruel incident has hit people deeply.

There was another emotional moment when addressing North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst, who explained that the attack "our country hit heart". He spoke of an act of terror that aimed to spread fear and disturb peaceful coexistence for which Solingen is known. Wüst appealed to the citizens to get together in solidarity in this difficult time.

The security authorities are currently active at full speed to grasp the perpetrator. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul emphasized the need for increased police presence, especially at public events. "We have to be more vigilant," said Reul. The police have already taken measures to increase security in the coming days and to give the population a feeling of security.

In a worrying phase, in which it is unclear why this crime was committed, it is important for people to know that investigations are underway to create clarity as quickly as possible. Reul asked the public to spend patience: "What we need is a bit of time."

political support for those affected by violence

The words of Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, who has guaranteed the city's unmistakable support, were also considered. "We don't let ourselves be split in such times," she explained, while she pointed out the painful incident and its effects on society. Their appeal to the citizens of standing together reflected the feeling of community, which is now needed more than ever in Solingen.

The deputy prime minister Mona Neubaur also emphasized that the Solingen population has often demonstrated their resilience and strength. "Solingen is not alone in this matter," says Neubaur. The support of the state government is considered important to give people a perspective in these difficult times.

For the next few days, further services are planned to express their feelings to the grieving space. An ecumenical service will be celebrated in the city church on Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by another service in the Clemens Church at 11 a.m. In addition to this pastoral care offer, citizens can continue to put candles and flowers on the Neumarkt in order to show their respect for the victims.

grief and hope in difficult times

The events related to the anniversary festival not only have grief, but also an unbroken will to the community and cohesion. In these painful days it becomes clear that the city of Solingen, despite the darkness that is floating above it, is able to mourn together and support each other.

It remains to be hoped that the city will not only overcome the pain of this attack, but also does not allow the light of the community that shine in difficult times. Solingen, as a strongly interwoven community, will heal this wound - on a path that is shaped by grief, solidarity and a firm determination to strengthen the coexistence.

political reactions and solidarity

The political reactions to the tragic event in Solingen show far -reaching solidarity between the different government levels. Mayor Tim Kurzbach, Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst and Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser performed together to express their support and commemorate the victims. This is a sign of cohesion in difficult times, and it illustrates how important political leaders come together in crisis situations to help the population and to preserve social stability.

among the mourners on Neumarkt was also a large number of citizens who came together from solidarity. The campaign shows that despite the fear of further acts of violence, the population remains determined to support their community and to commemorate the victim. Such collective funeral rituals are crucial for community formation and help those affected to process the shock and grief.

Investigations and security measures

In the long term, the investigation is also the focus of the public. Interior Minister Herbert Reul brought up the need for an increased police presence in order to give both the citizens a feeling of security and to counteract potential further dangers. This is particularly important because the perpetrator has not yet been caught and the population is concerned about possible imitation crimes.

In addition, the emergency services are reinforced not only in Solingen, but nationwide, especially at larger events. The coordination between the various security authorities will play a central role in ensuring security and order in the affected regions.

The procedure described is in line with the measures that were taken in the past in the course of similar terrorist attacks to protect citizens and strengthen the feeling of security among the population. The memories of other terrible incidents, such as the attack on the Christmas market in Berlin 2016, lead to increased awareness and awareness of security issues in public spaces.