German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Mayor Tim Kurzbach honor the memory of those impacted by the terrorist atrocity

In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the city of Solingen was recently shaken by a tragic incident. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid a visit to the city during its anniversary celebration, expressing his condolences for the dead and concern for the injured.

Upon his arrival, Chancellor Scholz met with emergency, deployment, and rescue forces at the Glass Workshop, the site of the incident. He was joined by Solingen's Mayor, Tim Kurzbach, North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President, Hendrik Wüst, his deputy, Mona Neubauer, and North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister, Herbert Reul. Together, they laid roses at the attack site as a symbol of solidarity and mourning.

Mayor Kurzbach emphasized the importance of unity in Solingen, urging respect for the city and its people in the current situation. He also urged calm, asking that Solingen not become a platform for political debates. Chancellor Scholz echoed these sentiments, mourning with everyone in the city and in Germany who experienced the event directly in their hearts.

Minister President Wüst highlighted the need for actions, not just words, following the attack. He emphasized the importance of closing loopholes to prevent illegal staying in Germany. Wüst also suggested simplifying the work of authorities to deport people to Syria or Afghanistan if necessary.

In response to the incident, Chancellor Scholz announced plans to implement new regulations to better prevent such acts in the future. These include tightening gun laws, consistently implementing agreed regulations on deportation, and reducing irregular migration. Scholz stated that the attack was terrorism and threatened our lives and our togetherness.

Mayor Kurzbach, too, expressed hope that Solingen would celebrate together again in the future. He stated that discussions about the attack should not be limited to Solingen, but apply to the entire country. Both leaders emphasized the need for all levels of government to work together to address the issue.

The helpers who were present after the attack are expected to need many days, weeks, and months to process their experiences. Chancellor Scholz publicly thanked these helpers for their efforts and expressed solidarity with them. Mayor Kurzbach also thanked the federal chancellor and the North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President for their visit.

As the city of Solingen continues to heal, the promise of unity and the commitment to prevent such incidents in the future serve as a beacon of hope for its residents and the nation as a whole.