On May 23, 2025, at least 18 people were injured in a knife attack by a woman at the main train station in Hamburg, Germany. The attack happened at 6:05 pm when the station was crowded with passengers. Among the injured, four are in critical condition, six are seriously injured, and the other eight have minor injuries. The 39-year-old woman was arrested at the scene immediately after the attack.
Details of the Attack
The attack took place between platforms 13 and 14 at Hamburg Central Station, where passengers were waiting for the Munich-bound ICE 855 train. The arrested woman is a German citizen and is reported to have mental health problems. There is no information about any political motive behind the attack. Police spokesperson Florian Abenseth said the woman was arrested without resistance, and she was alone during the attack.
Emergency Response and Train Service
Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene and provided first aid to the injured. Four platforms were closed and train services were temporarily stopped, causing delays in Deutsche Bahn's long-distance operations. The station was very busy because it was the first day of school holidays and evening rush hour.
Reactions and Investigation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep sorrow over the attack, and the federal government fully supports Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the attack as shocking and unacceptable. Deutsche Bahn said it was deeply saddened by the incident.
This attack is one of the recent knife attacks in Europe, following similar incidents in the Netherlands and Majorca. These attacks raise concerns about public safety and have led the German government to tighten border controls and immigration policies.
Conclusion
The knife attack at Hamburg train station has challenged Germany’s security system and public confidence. Although the investigation is ongoing, the exact motive and reasons behind the attack are still unclear. This event highlights the need to review and strengthen security measures across Europe.