MUNICH (AP) — Security at Oktoberfest has been tightened following last month’s deadly knife attack in Solingen, western Germany. Partygoers should expect longer lines at the entrance as metal detectors are being used for the first time in the Bavarian beer festival’s 189-year history.
Authorities say there are no specific threats to the world’s largest folk festival, which begins Saturday with the traditional tapping of barrels in Munich and runs until October 6. About 6 million people are participating, many of whom have traditional lederhosen and dirndl dressesare expected at the event.
The increased security follows the attack on August 23 in Solingen in which three people were killed and eight injured. A 26-year-old Syrian suspect was arrested. He was an asylum seeker who was due to be deported to Bulgaria last year, but reportedly disappeared for a time and avoided deportation. The militant group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the violence, without providing evidence.
The violence has shocked Germany and forced immigration back to the top of the country’s political agenda. In response, the Interior Ministry this week extended temporary border controls to all nine borders. The closures are expected to last six months and threaten test European unity.
The consequences of the attack on Solingen and other recent violence throughout Germany — will also be felt at Oktoberfest. Portable metal detectors will be used for the first time, German news agency dpa reported, with police and security personnel using them at random or after suspicious activity.
“Due to the current security situation, we will be intensifying checks again and I ask visitors to understand that this may lead to longer waiting times at the entrances,” Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter said after the attack on Solingen. “But safety comes first.”
In addition to some 600 police officers and 2,000 security guards, there are even more than 50 cameras spread across the festival grounds — which will also be cordoned off. Festival-goers are also not allowed to bring knives, glass bottles, and backpacks.
Oktoberfest is no stranger to heightened security throughout its history. In 2016, authorities implemented stricter measures in response to a series of attacks, including a German teenager shoots nine people dead in a shopping mall in Munich, after which he committed suicide.