A knife attack on a bus in the western German city of Siegen left five people injured, one week after a fatal stabbing occurred in another western city, Solingen. The incident took place at around 7:40 pm on a bus carrying approximately 40 passengers to a city festival. A 32-year-old German national was identified as the perpetrator, who stabbed multiple individuals before being subdued and arrested by law enforcement officers.
According to authorities, at least five people were injured in the attack, with three of them classified as “critically” injured and one labeled as “seriously.” The motive behind the incident remains unclear, but police have advised the public not to disseminate false information and avoid making any reference to a “terrorist attack.” Sources from Bild news outlet suggest that the attacker may have been suffering from mental health issues or was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
This recent event follows a stabbing at the Festival of Diversity in Solingen last week, where three people were killed, and eight others were injured. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for that attack without providing evidence; however, German authorities arrested a 26-year-old Syrian man in connection with the incident.
In response to these recent violent attacks involving knives, German authorities have stepped up their efforts against knife crime and unlawful immigration. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced on Friday that police and regional authorities would be granted more powers to enforce new regulations. Furthermore, Berlin reversed its ban on deportations to countries deemed “unsafe,” which led to the deportation of 28 Afghan nationals – the first such act since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
As the city of Siegen celebrates its 800th birthday this weekend, organizers have expressed concern about security following the stabbing incident in Solingen but ultimately decided not to cancel the city festival as it is seen as “a sign of democracy and freedom.