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The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a knife attack in Solingen, Germany, that killed three people and injured eight others during a festival.

What’s the deal: A knife attack occurred at a crowded festival in Solingen, Germany, where an assailant targeted and killed three people by slashing their throats. The attack, which took place in the Fronhof square during the city’s “Festival of Diversity,” also left at least eight others injured, four of them seriously.  

Arrest made: German authorities have identified the suspect behind the mass knife attack in Solingen as “Issa Al H,” a 26-year-old Syrian national believed to be a member of the Islamic State (ISIS). Prosecutors revealed that Al H confessed to the stabbings and turned himself in after a manhunt was launched for him. The suspect had applied for asylum in Germany after leaving Syria. 

ISIS claims responsibility: The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack through its “Amaq” news outlet. The group described the attacker as a “soldier of the Islamic State” who specifically targeted Christians during the festival. According to their statement, the attack was carried out as an act of revenge for the “oppression” of Muslims in Palestine and other parts of the world.

Officials react: Prime Minister Olaf Scholz said, “The attack in Solingen is a terrible event that has shocked me greatly. An attacker has brutally killed several people. I have just spoken to Solingen’s mayor, Tim Kurzbach. We mourn the victims and stand by their families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. The perpetrator must be caught quickly and punished to the full extent of the law.”

Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach said, “All of us in Solingen are in shock, horror, and great sadness. It breaks my heart that an attack has happened in our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we’ve lost. I pray for all those still fighting for their lives. Also my greatest sympathy for all those who had to experience this, these images must have been horrific.”