A woman launched a knife attack at Hamburg’s main train station on Friday evening. The assault occurred around 6:00 p.m., during the crowded evening rush. As a result, at least 17 people suffered injuries. According to emergency services, four victims sustained life-threatening wounds.

Police act quickly to arrest suspect

Soon after the incident, police arrested a 39-year-old German woman at the scene. Notably, she did not resist arrest. Hamburg police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth told reporters, “Officers approached her, and the woman allowed herself to be arrested without resistance.”

So far, police haven’t found evidence of political motivation. Instead, Abbenseth stated, “We have no evidence so far that the woman may had a political motive.” He added, “We now want to investigate whether she may have been experiencing a psychological emergency.”

Additionally, Hamburg police confirmed on X that the woman acted alone.

Victims treated on trains and platforms

Meanwhile, emergency responders worked swiftly at the station. Some victims received treatment inside waiting trains. Others were treated on the platforms.

Earlier, officials said six people were in critical condition. However, later they revised the number to four. Overall, the fire department confirmed six seriously injured people and seven with minor injuries.

Authorities seal off area and start investigation

Soon after the attack, police cordoned off parts of the station. Photos showed investigators walking along the platforms, while ambulances carried victims to hospitals.

At the same time, Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator, closed four platforms. As investigations continued, they warned of “delays and diversions in long-distance services.” The company also said on X that it was “deeply shocked” by the violence.

Leaders express concern and sympathy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Hamburg’s mayor after the attack. His spokesperson Stefan Kornelius later said, “My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Country faces string of violent incidents

In recent months, Germany has witnessed a series of violent attacks. For example, last Sunday, a man stabbed four people in a bar in Bielefeld. He later told police he held jihadist beliefs.

Consequently, federal prosecutors took over the investigation.

Security becomes political issue

Notably, security has become a hot topic in German politics. Many of the recent attackers had immigrant backgrounds. During the February elections, the conservative CDU/CSU led by Merz topped the polls.

Meanwhile, the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) received more than 20% of the vote—its highest-ever result.