A 39-year-old woman was arrested after a sudden knife attack injured 18 people at Hamburg's primary railway hub, prompting discussions on mental health and security. While many of the victims are stabilizing, the investigation continues with authorities ruling out political motives.
Knifeman Targets Commuters in Hamburg Train Station Attack, 18 Injured
Knifeman Targets Commuters in Hamburg Train Station Attack, 18 Injured
A horrific knife attack at Hamburg's central railway station leaves 18 injured, with a woman arrested under suspicion of mental illness.
In a shocking incident at Hamburg's central railway station on Friday evening, a knife attack resulted in 18 people being injured, according to police reports. The attack occurred around 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and involved a 39-year-old German woman who was arrested at the scene.
Authorities stated that while four of the injured sustained life-threatening injuries, they are currently in a stable condition. The victims range from 19 to 85 years old, with varying degrees of injury reported: seven suffered slight injuries, seven serious, and the four critically injured included both male and female victims aged 24, along with an 85-year-old woman.
Police have indicated that there is “very concrete evidence” pointing to mental illness concerning the suspect, and they found no indication that the attack was politically motivated. The woman is scheduled to face court proceedings on Saturday as the investigation unfolds.
The alarming incident took place between platforms 13 and 14, which are directly accessible from a busy road. Eyewitness accounts and police reports highlight the prompt intervention from two individuals on the platform, along with emergency services, which prevented further chaos.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his shock over the attack, commending the swift response of emergency personnel. Images from the scene depict emergency teams managing the situation and offering assistance to those injured, while social media posts show the suspect being escorted by police.
Hamburg's central railway station stands as one of Germany's busiest transport hubs, especially during the Friday evening rush hour, making this attack particularly distressing for the public.
This incident follows a series of violent attacks across Germany in recent months. Notable previous events include a stabbing in Aschaffenburg that resulted in two deaths as well as another stabbing at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial. Such events have intensified discussions around border control and immigration policies in the nation, especially as migrants have been implicated in past attacks.
