The Incident

A 39-year-old German woman, identified by police as Lydia S., allegedly attacked multiple people with a knife at Hamburg’s main railway station on Friday. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on one of the platforms.

According to reports, the woman was apprehended after two individuals intervened adn disarmed her.Police have stated that there is currently no indication of political motives behind the attack.

Victims and injuries

The attack resulted in injuries to 18 people,ranging in age from 19 to 85. Initially, four victims were in life-threatening condition, seven sustained severe injuries, and seven had minor injuries. As of today, police report that the condition of all affected is already stabilized. Fifteen people suffered knife wounds, while the remaining three were injured due to falls or shock.

Suspect’s Background

Lydia S.is believed to be from Lower Saxony and is currently without a permanent residence. According to Bild, citing its own sources, the suspect suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and was released from psychiatric care just a day before the attack. The court has ordered her to be placed in a psychiatric clinic.

Official Reactions

The incident has drawn strong reactions from local and federal officials.

I think of victims and relatives.

Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor

Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher described the incident as shocking. He and Chancellor Merz spoke on Friday, with both expressing gratitude to the first responders and police for their swift action.Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt also condemned the attack shortly after it occurred.

Aftermath and Security Measures

Following the attack, two tracks near platform 13/14 were temporarily closed, causing delays and diversions, according to Deutsche Bahn (DB). Since autumn 2023, weapons, including knives, have been banned at Hamburg Main Station.This ban was extended to local public transport in December. The weapons-free zone also encompasses a meaningful portion of the city center.