Syrian suspect in Germany knife attack was motivated by Islamic State views, prosecutors say

Suspect turned himself in and confessed to Friday’s stabbing rampage in city of Solingen that left 3 dead and 8 wounded

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Police escort a suspect from a helicopter in Karlsruhe, Germany on Sunday after a stabbing attack in the city of Solingen left 3 dead and 8 wounded. Photo: dpa via AP

Published: 2:08am, 25 Aug 2024Updated: 7:51am, 26 Aug 2024

A Syrian man on Sunday was ordered held on suspicion of murder and membership in a terrorist organisation in connection with the Solingen knife attack that left three dead and eight wounded at a festival marking the city’s 650th anniversary.

A judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe ordered 26-year-old Issa Al H held pending further investigation and a possible indictment after federal prosecutors said that he shared the radical ideology of the Islamic State extremist group – and was acting on those beliefs when he stabbed his victims repeatedly from behind in the head and upper body.

The ruling came after the suspect turned himself in, saying he was responsible for the attack, police said. He is also suspected of attempted murder and serious bodily injury, prosecutors said. His surname was not released in line with German privacy rules.

A sign that reads “We just wanted to celebrate, but then the death came” is placed next to flowers and candles on Saturday after the fatal attack in Solingen. Photo: Reuters

The suspect, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles, was taken on Sunday from the police station in Solingen for the initial court appearance.