At the main station: Several seriously injured in knife attack in Hamburg

While the suspected stabbing victim at Hamburg Central Station is scheduled to appear before a judge today, doctors are fighting for the lives of four of her victims. According to police, a total of 18 people were injured in the attack on Friday evening. The 39-year-old suspect remains in police custody, police said. The homicide squad has begun an investigation.

On Friday evening, a person apparently randomly stabbed passersby. At the time of the attack, around 6:00 p.m., the platform between tracks 13 and 14 was packed. Police arrested a woman on the scene as the suspected perpetrator. The 39-year-old German woman allowed herself to be arrested without resistance. According to current information, the suspect acted alone.

The police do not currently suspect a political motive. There is no evidence of this so far. "Rather, we have information that we are now investigating, particularly as to whether she may have been in a state of psychological distress," said police spokesman Florian Abbenseth. The knife used in the murder has been confiscated.

According to "Bild," the woman is known to be mentally ill. She has previously spent time in a psychiatric hospital, "Bild" further reported. Furthermore, she is known to the police. A police spokesperson declined to comment early this morning.

After the knife attack, all tracks were reopened for train traffic overnight. Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced that forensic investigations have been completed. However, it is recommended that all train connections be checked online. According to a railway spokeswoman, "everything will be running on time again this morning." Tracks 11 to 14 had been closed after the knife attack. This resulted in corresponding delays and diversions for long-distance trains.

Police and emergency services were deployed in large numbers that evening. Forensic investigators examined platforms 13/14. An ICE train was parked on platform 14. However, the police spokesperson said: "As far as we know, the crime did not occur on this train."

The police said they are looking for pictures, videos, and clues, which can be submitted via a tip portal.

With more than 500,000 travelers per day, Hamburg Central Station is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Germany. It's regularly packed during Friday rush hour. This Friday marked the start of the week-long school holidays in Hamburg.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) wrote on X: "The news from Hamburg is shocking. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. My thanks go to all emergency services on the scene for their swift assistance." Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) condemned the knife attack. "It is shocking when travelers are attacked in a treacherous and cowardly manner," Dobrindt said overnight, according to his ministry.

Deutsche Bahn expressed its "deep shock" over the knife attack. "Our thoughts and sympathy are with the injured," it said in a statement.

The Hamburg Victims' Ombudsman offered his assistance to those affected. The service is aimed not only at those who have suffered physical injury, but also at those in need of emotional support. The Ombudsman's task is to provide support to victims of terrorist attacks and disasters and their families.