München – The knife attack in Solingen (3 dead, 8 injured) by an Islamist assassin (26) now also has an impact on the Oktoberfest in Munich, which starts in 26 days (21 September to 6 October).
Last year there was a record-breaking Oktoberfest: 7.2 million visitors came – more than ever before in such a small space on the world-famous Theresienwiese. That’s why the issue of security is at the top of the authorities’ list this year.
“I am stunned and shocked”
Dieter Reiter (66, SPD), Mayor of München expressed his shock at the attack on Monday: “I am stunned and shocked by the brutal and inhumane act in Solingen. My thoughts are with the relatives of those killed, the injured and all the people in Solingen.”
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Reiter has already exchanged views with Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (67, CSU): “We must do everything we can to keep the danger to the people in our country as low as possible. This also includes deporting rejected asylum seekers as quickly as possible and enforcing existing laws.”
Visitors must expect delays entering the festival grounds this year
Photo: Markus Hannich
Dieter Reiter emphasizes the already high security precautions at the Oktoberfest: A fence encloses the Wiesn grounds, knives and glass bottles are prohibited, and backpacks are not allowed.
BUT: “Due to the current security situation, we will be intensifying controls again,” Reiter announced. He asks all visitors “to understand that this may lead to longer waiting times at the entry points. But safety comes first.”
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►The successful SPD mayor also addressed his comrades in the federal government directly with “my urgent request that people with no prospect of staying in the country be returned to their home countries as quickly as possible. In addition, the police and intelligence services urgently need the necessary legal powers and personnel capacities to identify potential perpetrators in advance.”
Security authorities highly alert due to terrorism
Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann explained that there are currently no concrete indications of danger for Bavaria. “However, the abstract threat posed by Islamist terrorism is very high. The Middle East conflict in particular, which threatens to escalate further, is increasing the risk potential, including from the terrorist militia Islamic State. Our security authorities are therefore extremely vigilant. Every tip-off is meticulously investigated.”
The security measures are being reviewed and will be increased if necessary, “for example by increasing the police presence.” Even during the Oktoberfest time There will be “a general knife ban, which will be strictly enforced at the entrances”.
