A tragic knife attack took place on Friday in Solingen, Germany, resulting in the deaths of three people and severe injuries to four others. The attack occurred during a festival celebrating the city's 650th anniversary. According to a police spokeswoman from Duesseldorf, the attacker indiscriminately stabbed people and is currently on the run, prompting a major police operation that includes special forces and helicopters.

The festival, which was part of a larger "Festival of Diversity," was intended to be a joyful event with music, street theatre, and other performances, expecting up to 75,000 visitors over three days. However, the attack led to the immediate cancellation of the festival, with attendees being asked to leave the city center.

Local officials expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident. Tim-Oliver Kurzbach, the mayor of Solingen, stated that the city was in "shock, horror and great grief," and expressed sympathy for the victims and their families. Hendrik Wuest, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, also conveyed his "shock and grief," calling the attack an act of "brutal and senseless violence."

The incident is part of a troubling pattern of knife attacks in Germany over the past year, with authorities, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, vowing to address the issue of knife crime. The police are continuing their efforts to locate the suspect responsible for this horrific act.