A 39-year-old German woman was taken into custody Friday evening after stabbing at least 17 individuals at Hamburg’s main train station, leaving four people critically injured, according to officials.
The assault took place during the busy evening rush hour, triggering panic and confusion at the central transit hub of the northern German city. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, where police apprehended the suspect without resistance.
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Hamburg police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth stated there is currently no indication the attack was politically motivated. Instead, authorities are exploring the possibility that the woman was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Investigations confirmed the suspect acted alone and targeted random passengers at the station. The federal police spokesperson for the Hanover directorate, responsible for Hamburg, also noted that the attack seemed aimed at travelers in general, rather than any particular group.
Four victims suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Several platforms at the station were temporarily closed to allow for emergency operations and a thorough investigation. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway company, called the incident “deeply shocking.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz conveyed his condolences and expressed his shock in a conversation with Hamburg’s mayor following the incident.
Germany has seen a rise in violent incidents recently, raising public safety concerns. Just days earlier, four people were injured in a stabbing at a bar in Bielefeld, an event now under federal investigation.
Authorities in Hamburg continue to investigate the motives and circumstances behind the attack as the city deals with the aftermath of this violent event.
