A violent knife attack at Hamburg Central Station has left 18 people injured, several critically, sparking a large-scale emergency response and widespread shock across Germany. The incident occurred around 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Friday at one of the nation’s busiest transportation hubs.
According to Hamburg Police, a 39-year-old German woman was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. Authorities say she acted alone, and she is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), police confirmed that many of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries and were treated at the station and in nearby hospitals.
The attack took place between platforms 13 and 14 at Hamburg Central Station, a location typically congested during Friday evening rush hour. A train was present on one of the platforms, and some victims reportedly received treatment inside its carriages.
With over 550,000 passengers passing through daily, Hamburg’s central station is one of Germany’s most vital transit points. The violence prompted authorities to temporarily close four platforms, leading to delays and widespread service disruptions. Rail operator Deutsche Bahn confirmed the closures and advised commuters to expect ongoing delays.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as emergency personnel rushed to the site and cordoned off sections of the station. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed paramedics, police officers, and medical teams responding, with makeshift barriers shielding injured individuals from public view. One image showed a man being taken away on a stretcher, while another video captured the suspect being escorted away in handcuffs.
Hamburg Knife Attack Leaves 18 Injured in Shocking Incident at Central Station
At a press briefing outside the station, Hamburg Police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth said that early investigations suggested the woman was in a “state of mental distress.” He added that there is currently no evidence pointing to a political or extremist motive. The city’s homicide division has launched a full investigation into the suspect’s background, including her mental health history and potential motive.
Authorities are proceeding cautiously, emphasizing that the situation appears to be an isolated incident. Still, they acknowledge that it has raised pressing concerns about public safety in high-traffic areas like Hamburg Central Station.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, calling it “shocking,” and extended sympathy to the victims and their families. “We are deeply grateful to the emergency responders for their quick and professional intervention,” Merz said.
Local residents and commuters also expressed shock that such a violent act could occur in a place so central to daily life. Many called for enhanced security and better mental health services to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Hamburg knife attack is the latest in a string of violent public incidents across Germany. In January, a stabbing in a park in Aschaffenburg resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old child and a 41-year-old man. In February, a Spanish tourist was attacked at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial. And in December, six people were killed and hundreds injured when a vehicle rammed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
While previous suspects in some of these attacks were migrants—fueling political debate over immigration—the suspect in the Hamburg incident is a German national. Police have emphasized that the attack does not appear to be linked to political extremism or immigration issues.
As the investigation continues, the city of Hamburg is grappling with the traumatic aftermath. With the suspect in custody and court proceedings expected to begin shortly, public attention is now turning to larger systemic questions. These include how to improve security at major transport hubs and how to ensure mental health crises are addressed before they escalate into public danger.
This tragic event has reignited national conversations around public safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health care. As Hamburg and the rest of Germany wait for further updates, one message is clear: comprehensive reform is needed to prevent such violence from happening again.
Source- BBC
