At least 18 people were injured—several of them critically—after a knife-wielding attacker struck during Friday evening rush hour at Hamburg Central Station, one of Germany’s busiest transportation hubs. Authorities say a 39-year-old German woman was arrested at the scene and remains in custody as investigators work to determine her motive.
The attack occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time on platforms 13 and 14, as passengers boarded and disembarked from a stationary train. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as screams echoed through the terminal and emergency services rushed in to provide aid. Some victims were treated directly aboard the train, while others were taken to nearby hospitals.
Hamburg Police launched what they described as a “major operation,” confirming via social media that several victims sustained life-threatening wounds. A widely circulated video showed the suspect being escorted away in handcuffs by officers.
Police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth told reporters that the suspect appeared to have acted alone. While investigators have not identified any political or extremist links, early indications suggest the woman may suffer from mental health issues. She is scheduled to appear before a judge on Saturday.
Germany’s homicide division is now leading the investigation, focusing on the suspect’s psychological condition and possible triggers behind the attack.
The incident caused major disruption at Hamburg Central Station, which handles more than 550,000 travelers daily. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail operator, shut down four platforms and warned of ongoing delays and service disruptions. Passengers were advised to check travel updates before heading to the station.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, calling it “deeply disturbing,” and thanked first responders for their swift action. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he said in a statement.
Photos from the scene show a heavy police and emergency response, with parts of the station cordoned off and barriers erected to shield victims from public view. One image showed a man being carried away on a stretcher, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents in public spaces across Germany. In recent months, a fatal stabbing in Aschaffenburg and a deadly vehicle assault at a Christmas market in Magdeburg have stoked public fears and renewed calls for stronger safety measures.
Although the suspect in Friday’s attack is a German citizen, the incident is likely to reignite national debate around mental health services, public security, and the capacity of law enforcement to respond to acts of random violence.
Authorities are urging witnesses and anyone with relevant video footage to come forward as the investigation continues.
