Hamburg, Germany – A routine Friday evening at Hamburg’s bustling central train station turned into a scene of chaos and terror as a knife attack left at least 18 people injured. Four victims remain in critical condition, according to local authorities. The suspect, a 39-year-old German woman, was apprehended by police at the scene.
The incident, which took place at approximately 6:05 p.m. local time on platforms 13 and 14, is among the most serious acts of public violence in Hamburg in recent years. Emergency responders, police, and paramedics flooded the station, which was immediately evacuated and partially shut down.
Attack During Rush Hour
The attack occurred during one of the busiest times of day at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (central station), one of Germany’s largest and most heavily trafficked railway hubs. Witnesses described scenes of panic as passengers awaiting trains were suddenly confronted with violence.
“I saw people running and screaming. It was absolute panic,” said Lars Becker, a commuter who had just arrived on a regional train. “I saw a woman wielding something—then I realized it was a knife. It was horrifying.”
Police say the attacker began stabbing people seemingly at random, targeting passengers waiting for the Intercity Express 855, bound for Munich. Authorities reported that victims include a mix of tourists, commuters, and station employees.
Hamburg Police Chief Martin Sielaff confirmed that the woman was arrested without incident shortly after the first emergency calls were made. “Our officers responded within minutes. The suspect was quickly detained and is currently in custody,” he said in a statement.
The Suspect and Possible Motive
The attacker has been identified only as a 39-year-old German woman. Police confirmed she has a documented history of mental illness, including prior involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations. At this time, investigators believe the attack was not politically or ideologically motivated.
“There is currently no indication of a terrorist background,” said Hamburg State Interior Minister Andy Grote. “Initial assessments suggest that this was likely the result of a psychological crisis.”
The woman was found carrying a large kitchen knife. Authorities are investigating how she managed to bring the weapon into the station, which has had a longstanding ban on weapons as part of Deutsche Bahn’s enhanced security protocols.
Emergency Response and Victim Support
The scale of the attack prompted an immediate and wide-ranging emergency response. More than 60 emergency personnel were dispatched, including police, medical teams, and crisis counselors.
Four victims suffered life-threatening injuries and underwent emergency surgeries overnight. Six others sustained serious injuries, and eight were treated for minor wounds and shock.
The Hamburg Fire Department praised the swift actions of commuters and Deutsche Bahn employees who helped assist victims before first responders arrived. “Their courage and composure likely prevented further tragedy,” said Fire Chief Christian Schwarz.
Hospital officials said trauma counseling is being offered to all victims and their families. The city has also set up a hotline for those affected and urged eyewitnesses to come forward with information or footage.
Disruption and Lockdown
Following the attack, Hamburg Hauptbahnhof was placed on partial lockdown. Trains on platforms 13 through 16 were temporarily halted, leading to widespread delays across northern Germany.
Deutsche Bahn, the country’s state-owned rail operator, advised travelers to check for updates on bahn.de.
By midnight, services had resumed on most lines, though heightened security checks remained in place Saturday morning. Additional police and plainclothes officers have been deployed to major transport hubs across the city.
Political Reactions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his condolences and concern in a brief statement late Friday. “Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific act. We stand by the people of Hamburg,” he said.
Mayor Peter Tschentscher also addressed the media, pledging full support to investigators. “We will do everything in our power to uncover the full truth of this attack,” he said. “We must also ensure that our public spaces remain safe for all citizens.”
The incident has reignited debate in Germany over the adequacy of mental health services and the effectiveness of existing security measures at transport hubs. Calls are growing for tighter screening processes, better surveillance systems, and faster intervention protocols for individuals with known psychiatric disorders.
Broader Context
The Hamburg stabbing follows a series of violent incidents in Germany in recent months, including knife attacks in Bielefeld and Aschaffenburg, and vehicle-ramming cases in Magdeburg and Munich. While authorities say the incidents are unrelated, the cluster of events has raised public anxiety about safety in public places.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, speaking from Berlin, reaffirmed the government’s plan to strengthen local law enforcement and enhance mental health crisis response nationwide.
“Violence in public spaces is unacceptable, regardless of motive. We are committed to ensuring that those who need psychiatric help receive it—before they pose a danger to themselves or others.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Saturday morning, the suspect remained in police custody under psychiatric evaluation. A judge is expected to decide in the coming days whether she will face formal criminal charges or be committed to a psychiatric facility.
Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage, conducting witness interviews, and examining the suspect’s medical history. They have also set up a public portal for photo and video submissions to assist in reconstructing the timeline of the attack.
Looking Ahead
While life in Hamburg has begun to return to normal, Friday’s attack has left a lasting impact on the city. Flowers and candles have begun to appear outside the main station, as residents pay tribute to those injured.
As Germany grapples with the implications of this and similar attacks, many are calling for a balanced approach that addresses both public safety and mental health care reform.
For updated information or to assist authorities, residents can visit the Hamburg Police Department and the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.