Hamburg train station knife attack leaves several injured

Content warning: The following article contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

A knife attack at Hamburg’s central train station on Thursday evening left multiple people injured, some in life-threatening condition. Authorities said a 39-year-old woman was arrested at the scene as the suspect.

According to police, the attacker targeted people on the platform between tracks 13 and 14 around 6 p.m. The station, located in downtown Hamburg, is a key hub for local, regional, and long-distance trains.

Hamburg’s fire service initially reported that six people were critically injured, with three others seriously hurt and another three sustaining minor injuries. Police later clarified that there were no “valid figures” yet but confirmed that “several” individuals suffered life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was taken into custody without resistance. A knife was recovered at the scene. Police reviewed video footage and believe the woman acted alone.

Investigators said there is currently no indication of a political motive. “We have no evidence so far that the woman may had a political motive,” police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth told journalists at the scene, as broadcast by ARD public television. Instead, police are pursuing the theory that the suspect may have "been experiencing a psychological emergency."

Carrying weapons, including knives, is prohibited at the station and on local transportation in Hamburg.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz was briefed on the incident and expressed his concern. His office said he spoke with Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher on Friday evening and stated, “My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives.”