Knife attack at Solingen festival sparks terrorism fears

Three people were killed and eight others injured Friday night in a shooting at a festival in Solingen, Germany, an official said Saturday. Authorities are investigating the incident, which could be classified as a terrorist act because of the seemingly random choice of victims and the lack of any apparent motive.

Markus Caspers of the Düsseldorf public prosecutor's office confirmed that the terrorist theory could not be ruled out. Thorsten Fleiss, head of the police, added that the attacker had aimed at the throats of his victims. The suspect is still at large, but a 15-year-old boy has been arrested for possible links to the attacker.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser assured that security forces are working diligently to apprehend the perpetrator. The attack disrupted the 650th anniversary festival in Solingen, leading to its cancellation. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach expressed their condolences, while local musician Topic described the chaotic scene and the panic that followed.

(With contributions from agencies.)