Man surrenders and confesses to Germany stabbing attack

German authorities have identified the man who confessed to a deadly knife attack in Solingen as a suspected member of the Islamic State group (IS). The 26-year-old, named as Issa Al H (surname withheld due to privacy laws), turned himself in and admitted to the stabbings, which left three people dead and eight injured during a festival celebrating Solingen’s 650-year history.

The attack occurred on Friday, and by Saturday, IS claimed responsibility. Issa Al H, a Syrian national who arrived in Germany in December 2022, is under investigation for murder, attempted murder, and strong suspicions of belonging to a terrorist group abroad, according to prosecutors.

The suspect surrendered to police in blood-stained clothes, and a raid on a refugee center associated with him led to the detention of another person. The incident has sent shockwaves across Germany, with people laying flowers and candles at the attack site.

The attack has sparked concerns about immigration and asylum policies in Germany, particularly ahead of key regional elections in the country’s east, where the far-right is expected to make gains.