The incident, described by local officials as “deeply shocking,” has prompted investigations into a possible terrorist motive. Authorities are conducting an extensive search for the suspect, who remains at large.

The attack took place during a diversity festival, where residents were celebrating the start of the weekend. According to reports from Welt am Sonntag, citing an internal police document, the attacker allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assault.

The suspect is said to be known in the local community and had attended a nearby mosque, according to a witness who was injured in the incident.

It was confirmed by the local authorities that two men, aged 56 and 67, and a 56-year-old woman were killed in the attack.

North Rhine-Westphalia Premier Hendrik Wüst described the attack as an “act of terror” during a statement on Saturday, echoing concerns about growing security threats in the region.

The investigation has spurred various speculations, particularly from far-right groups. Björn Höcke, a prominent leader of the AfD in Thuringia, quickly took to the X platform, calling for an end to “forced multiculturalism.”

The German portal RND wrote that “some citizens no longer feel safe on the streets,” adding that while condolences are important, concrete action is necessary to address the situation.

The incident has raised broader concerns about public safety at large events. RND suggested that the federal and state governments should explore enhanced security measures to prevent further attacks.

However, the portal warned that those intent on causing harm will likely seek ways to bypass such precautions.

“Feeling of safety in Germany is declining,” RND concluded, citing rising crime rates and an increase in knife-related offenses in the country.

The number of registered crimes in Germany rose to nearly six million last year.

In response to the attack, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Premier Hendrik Wüst, and North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul visited Solingen on Saturday.

The investigation continues as authorities search for the fugitive attacker, with operations spanning across North Rhine-Westphalia and the rest of Germany.