Knife attack at the main train station: Perpetrator released from psychiatry!

Knife attack at the main train station: Perpetrator released from psychiatry!

On May 26, 2025, a severe knife attack occurred at the Hamburg Central Station, in which 18 people were injured. Most of the injured have now left the clinic, with 13 people being released reliably. The dismissal was also planned for two other injuries. No information is currently available on the health of three injuries, and it remains unclear how many of them need psychological aftercare. Among the injuries are people between the ages of 19 and 85, with some from Bremen and Lower Saxony.

The alleged perpetrator, a 39-year-old woman, was recently released from psychiatry and gave the crime before the judge. She lives without a permanent residence and was transferred to a psychiatric clinic in 15 cases due to the suspicion of attempted manslaughter and dangerous bodily harm. These measures take place after four of the injuries initially hovered in mortal danger, but have been in stable condition since May 27th.

Details about the crime and security situation

The attack took place on the platform between track 13 and 14. Two brave passers -by could stop the perpetrator before worse. The police were deployed with a large contingent consisting of 350 police officers and 50 firefighters. The incident raised questions about the security precautions at the main train station, especially in view of an existing weapon ban zone. The introduction of AI-based video surveillance is currently being discussed in order to better prevent such incidents in the future. The railway chief Richard Lutz thanked the emergency services for their quick action.

The alleged perpetrator had been released one day before the attack from the Geestland Clinic near Bremerhaven without a medical finding justification. There are reports that the woman has become conspicuous several police since 2021 and also shows signs of a mental illness. This is underpinned by an advertisement for violence against a child in February 2025. The day before the crime, she was noticed at the airport due to injury traces on her face. She wanted to fly to Paris on the actual day of the crime, but could not identify herself

The problems with the prevention of violence in Germany are not new. Findings from the forum for crime prevention make it clear that securing public spaces and an increased surveillance policy are necessary to increase the feeling of security and the actual security of the population. These considerations gain urgency due to the incident at Hamburg Central Station.