German police have arrested a 39-year-old woman following a stabbing attack at Hamburg’s main train station on Friday evening that left at least 17 people injured, some critically.
The attack occurred shortly after 6:00 pm local time during the busy evening rush hour on one of the station’s platforms, where the suspect reportedly turned on passengers with a knife.
Emergency services confirmed that four victims sustained life-threatening injuries, while others suffered serious and minor wounds.
Florian Abbenseth, a Hamburg police spokesperson, told reporters that the suspect was apprehended at the scene without resistance.
“We have no evidence so far that the woman may have had a political motive,” Abbenseth said.
Authorities are investigating whether the woman was experiencing a psychological crisis and believe she acted alone.
The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement and emergency teams, with some victims receiving treatment onboard waiting trains.
German rail operator Deutsche Bahn closed four platforms at the station as investigations continue, warning of delays and diversions to long-distance train services.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock over the attack in a call with Hamburg’s mayor, extending his thoughts to the victims and their families.
Germany has recently faced a series of violent attacks linked to extremist motives, raising national security concerns.
The stabbing in Hamburg follows a similar incident earlier this week in Bielefeld, where four people were injured in an attack suspected to have jihadist motivations.
The issue of security and the backgrounds of attackers has been a contentious topic during Germany’s recent elections, with increased support for conservative and far-right parties emphasizing immigration control.
Police investigations into the Hamburg attack are ongoing.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm as they gather more information about the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident.
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