Hamburg: Woman Arrested for Knife Attack Shows Signs of Mental Illness

A woman arrested yesterday (May 23, 2025) after a knife attack at the train station presents ‘clear signs of mental illness,’ announced the German police, ruling out any political motive behind the attack. The 39-year-old German national is set to appear before a judge today, who will decide on her psychiatric hospitalization, as clarified in the police statement. Authorities have confirmed that there are no indications the suspect was under the influence of psychoactive substances (alcohol or drugs) during the incident. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as she indiscriminately targeted passengers waiting to board the train. Hamburg police and federal authorities, present with strong forces at the station, intervened within seconds, disarmed, and subdued the woman, known to police and facing psychological issues, according to BILD. Authorities believe she acted alone without an accomplice. Emergency services arrived immediately, and some victims received first aid inside the train cars. The area was cordoned off, access to the station was impossible for hours, and train traffic was partially suspended but will gradually resume.