2025 Hamburg stabbing attack

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof is the second-busiest train station in Europe, processing around half a million travellers each day.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Twelve injured in knife attack at Hamburg railway station |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm26v7n5y4eo |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}} The attack occurred on a Friday evening, which are noted to be particularly crowded,{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Hamburg: Messerattacke am Hauptbahnhof – Frau verletzt mehrere Menschen lebensbedrohlich |trans-title=Hamburg: Knife attack at main sation - Woman critically injures several people |url=https://www.morgenpost.de/panorama/article409098472/messerattacke-in-hamburg-zwoelf-menschen-verletzt.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Berliner Morgenpost |language=de}} more so than usual due to the beginning of Pentecost holiday season in Hamburg.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Hamburg: Angriff traf überfüllten Bahnhof zu Ferienbeginn |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/hamburg-angriff-traf-ueberfuellten-bahnhof-zu-ferienbeginn-110497148.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=FAZ.NET |language=de}}

The train station is considered a hotspot for violent crime and drug use.{{Cite news |last=Lasarzik |first=Annika |last2=Kroll |first2=Tom |last3=Heinemann |first3=Christoph |date=2025-05-23 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Wahllos, unvermittelt, aus dem Nichts |trans-title=Knife attack in Hamburg: Indiscriminate, unprovoked, out of nowhere |url=https://www.zeit.de/hamburg/2025-05/messerangriff-hamburg-hauptbahnhof-verletzte |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=Die Zeit |language=de-DE |issn=0044-2070}}{{Cite news |last=Kroll |first=Tom |date=2023-08-14 |title=Kriminalität am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Viel Polizei, wenig Plan |trans-title=Crime at Hamburg's main station: Much police, little plan |url=https://www.zeit.de/2023/32/kriminalitaet-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-polizei-ueberwachung |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=Die Zeit |language=de-DE |issn=0044-2070}}{{Cite web |last=Stutte |first=Harald |date=2025-05-24 |title=Messerattacke im Hauptbahnhof Hamburg: Der Tag danach |url=https://www.rnd.de/panorama/messerattacke-im-hauptbahnhof-hamburg-der-tag-danach-YTYUYP3TRREFXOCV57LRIRBZCY.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=RedaktionsNetzwerkDeutschland |language=de}} A ban on weapons and alcohol had been put in place around the train station in October 2023 and April 2024 respectively to prevent fights. As part of increased police activity, over 500 weapons, including 350 knives, were confiscated during person searches in 2024.{{Cite web |date=24 May 2025 |title=Kriminalitätsschwerpunkt: Videoüberwachung am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof wird ausgeweitet |trans-title=Prime focus on crime: Video surveillance at Hamburg's main station extended |url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article252852050/Kriminalitaetsschwerpunkt-Videoueberwachung-am-Hamburger-Hauptbahnhof-wird-ausgeweitet.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}} Over 200 cameras were installed inside the station. Since spring 2023, the train station has been regularly patrolled by {{lang|de|Quattro-Streifen}} (Quattro patrols), a formation of four officers from Federal Police, State Police, Deutsche Bahn security and Hochbahn security.{{cite web |url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article252996722/Kriminalitaetsschwerpunkt-Ueberwachungskameras-fuer-1-2-Millionen-Euro-am-Hamburger-Hauptbahnhof-installiert.html |title=Überwachungskameras für 1,2 Millionen Euro am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof installiert |trans-title=Surveillance cameras worth 1.2 million euros installed at Hamburg main station |first=Denis |last=Fengler |work=Die Welt |date=2024-08-14 |language=de |access-date=2025-05-24}} Between 2023 and 2024, annual incidents of violence at the train station fell from 720 to 546 cases, but crimes involving knives increased from 12 to 23.{{Cite news |last=Hoene |first=Julia |last2=Krause |first2=Daniel |date=25 May 2025 |title=Nach Messerattacke in Hamburg: Tatverdächtige offenbar gerade erst aus Psychiatrie entlassen – jetzt muss sie zurück |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/panorama/nach-messerattacke-in-hamburg-tatverdachtige-offenbar-gerade-erst-aus-psychiatrie-entlassen--jetzt-muss-sie-zuruck-13747303.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=Der Tagesspiegel Online |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263}}

The attack occurred shortly after 6 p.m. at the platform for rail 13/14, located to the far west of the south jetty, outside of the main station hall.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-25 |title=Security spotlight: Hamburg attack highlights knife policy limits |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/hamburg-train-station-stabbing-18-injured-suspect-ill-and-in-hospital-police-say/B5GZKNYJTNBH5BUICFF7VDFBCI/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-25 |title=Einen Tag nach Messerattacke: Großkontrolle am Hauptbahnhof |url=https://hamburg.t-online.de/region/hamburg/id_100738880/hauptbahnhof-hamburg-waffen-grosskontrolle-am-tag-nach-messerattacke.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=t-online |language=de}} Most of the victims had been waiting for the departure of an Intercity Express bound for Fulda, originally scheduled for 6:01 p.m.{{Cite web |last=Kallenbach |first=Kevin |date=2025-05-23 |title=Messerangriff am Hauptbahnhof Hamburg: Täterin soll alleine gehandelt haben |trans-title=Knife attack at Hamburg main station: Suspect acted alone |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/hamburg-mitte/article409098339/messerstecherei-am-hauptbahnhof-acht-menschen-verletzt-1.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Hamburger Abendblatt |language=de}} Witnesses described a woman running through the crowd while shouting incoherently, appearing to push people around her while moving her arms in a "swimming motion". The knife had not been visible at first, with commuters dispersing once the stabbed victims began to scream and clutch at their wounds.{{Cite news |last=Kubeth |first=Levin |last2=Siemens |first2=Ansgar |last3=Ziegler |first3=Jean-Pierre |date=2025-05-24 |title=(S+) Hamburg: »Dann haben wir das Blut gesehen« |trans-title=Hamburg: »Then we saw the blood« |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/hamburg-dann-haben-wir-das-blut-gesehen-a-145cc8b9-d0e1-4672-8c2e-bab01a7b4007 |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}{{Cite web |date=25 May 2025 |title=Held und Opfer: Zwei Betroffene erzählen, wie sie den Messerangriff von Hamburg erlebten |trans-title=Hero and victim: Two affected talk about their experience of the knife attack in Hamburg |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/ich-blickte-ihr-in-die-augen-held-und-opfer-zwei-betroffene-erzaehlen-wie-sie-den-messerangriff-von-hamburg-erlebten_a4d52adb-c464-4a91-8b5c-06da5711826b.html |website=FOCUS}}

The attack was stopped when a member of the public tripped the woman with an outstretched leg. The bystander was joined by another man in restraining the suspect{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=25 May 2025 |title=Syrer stoppte wohl Messerangreiferin in Hamburg |trans-title=Syrian stopped knife attacker in Hamburg |url=https://www.n-tv.de/panorama/Syrer-stoppte-wohl-Messerangreiferin-in-Hamburg-article25791419.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=n-tv.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=24 May 2025 |title=Zwei heldenhafte Passanten stoppten die Messerangreiferin - alle Verletzten stabil |trans-title=Two heroic passersby stopped the knife attacker - all injured stabilised |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/17-verletzte-messerangriff-am-hamburger-hbf-taeterin-psychisch-krank_475dd67c-6431-4565-a2cd-0d947ddce549.html |website=FOCUS}}{{Cite news |last=Alnajjar |first=Mohannad Alkhalil |last2=Haidar |first2=Asia |last3=Kubeth |first3=Levin |date=2025-05-24 |title=(S+) Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: »Ich habe mich entschieden, die Frau zu stoppen« |trans-title=Knife attack at Hamburg's main station: »I decided to stop the woman« |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/messerangriff-am-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-ich-habe-mich-entschieden-die-frau-zu-stoppen-a-277d8024-ae39-4365-b2b5-5a02e9d93c1c |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}} and two minutes later, armed officers of a {{lang|de|Quattro-Streife}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/messerangriff-hauptbahnhof-hamburg-verletzte-li.3258316 |title=Tatverdächtige vor Haftrichter – Unterbringung in Klinik angeordnet |trans-title=Female suspect appearing before custodial judge – ordered to be sent to psychiatric clinic |first=Ulrike |last=Nimz |work=Süddeutsche Zeitung |date=2025-05-24 |language=de |access-date=2025-05-24}} arrived and took custody of the suspect.{{Cite web |last= |date=25 May 2025 |title=Flüchtling (19) stoppte Messer-Angreiferin von Hamburg |url=https://www.heute.at/s/fluechtling-19-stoppte-messer-angreiferin-von-hamburg-120110309 |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Heute |language=de}} According to one of the helpers and police, the woman stopped screaming as soon as she was subdued and also offered no resistance upon her arrest.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Messer-Angriff in Hamburg: Geflüchteter stoppte offenbar Angreiferin im Hauptbahnhof |trans-title=Knife attack in hamburg: Refugee said to have stopped attacker at main train station |url=https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/kriminalitaet/id_100738654/messerattacke-in-hamburg-syrer-stoppte-offenbar-mutmassliche-taeterin.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=t-online |language=de}}{{Cite news |title=Zeuge schildert Hamburger Messerangriff: „Ich habe mich entschieden, die Frau zu stoppen“ |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/panorama/zeuge-schildert-hamburger-messerangriff-ich-habe-mich-entschieden-die-frau-zu-stoppen-13751791.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=Der Tagesspiegel Online |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263}} Media sources noted that the two men, 21-year-old Abu Bakr Siddik Agaev{{Cite web |date=2025-05-26 |title=Abu und Muhammad stoppten die Messerangreiferin von Hamburg |url=https://www.rtl.de/news/abu-und-muhammad-stoppten-die-messerangreiferin-von-hamburg-id4380587.html |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=RTL |language=de}} and 19-year-old Muhammad al-Muhammad, were of Chechen and Syrian nationality.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/26/hamburg-knife-attack-syrian-refugee|title=Syrian refugee, 19, praised after pinning down assailant in Hamburg knife attack|first1=Ashifa|last1=Kassam|date=26 May 2025|via=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |date=25 May 2025 |title=Syrische vluchteling en Tsjetsjeen overmeesterden vrouw die mesaanval uitvoerde in Hamburg |trans-title=Syrian refugee and Chechen overpowered woman who carried out knife attack in Hamburg |url=https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/syrische-vluchteling-en-tsjetsjeen-overmeesterden-vrouw-die-mesaanval-uitvoerde-in-hamburg |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=BNNVARA |language=nl}} The knife used in the attack was recovered from the rail track.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2025 |title=Hamburg: "Wenn du aufstehen, ich schlage!" – Zwei Passanten stoppten Messerangreiferin |url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/kriminalitaet/article256167534/hamburg-wenn-du-aufstehen-ich-schlage-zwei-passanten-stoppten-messerangreiferin.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}}

Despite the initial panic, other platforms remained in order, with trains arriving and departing as usual. First aid was immediately provided by witnesses on the platforms and a train that arrived shortly after the attack.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Hamburg: Messerangriff im Hauptbahnhof – Augenzeugen berichten |url=https://www.20min.ch/story/augenzeugin-in-hamburg-taeterin-lag-am-boden-im-gleisbett-fand-die-polizei-das-messer-103351189 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=20 Minuten |language=de}} Around 410 police officers and 50 fire fighters responded to the scene.{{Cite web |date=24 May 2025 |title=Hauptbahnhof-Attacke: Psychiatrische Unterbringung von Messerangreiferin angeordnet |url=https://www.bayerische-staatszeitung.de/staatszeitung/politik/detailansicht-politik/artikel/hauptbahnhof-attacke-psychiatrische-unterbringung-von-messerangreiferin-beantragt.html#topPosition |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Bayerische Staatszeitung |language=de}} The streets between Hühnerposten and Steintor were temporarily closed off.{{Cite web |date=23 May 2025 |title=Messerattacke am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Zwölf Menschen verletzt - Polizei fasst Verdächtige |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Messerattacke-am-Hamburger-Hauptbahnhof-Zwoelf-Menschen-verletzt,hauptbahnhof754.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=NDR |language=de}} Train services were resumed by 7 p.m., with the exception of the rails 11 to 14, surrounding the affected platform. Significant delays in train traffic resulted from the attack and subsequent police deployment, with most lines redirected to depart or terminate at Hamburg-Harburg station instead.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Frau attackiert offenbar wahllos Menschen an Gleis 13 – die Bilder |url=https://www.fr.de/panorama/messerangriff-in-hamburg-aktuell-frau-attackiert-wahllos-menschen-die-bilder-zr-93750424.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |language=de}}{{Cite web |title=Messerattacke am Hauptbahnhof Hamburg: Metronom meldet Einschränkungen - buten un binnen |url=https://www.butenunbinnen.de/nachrichten/messerangriff-hamburg-bahnverkehr-metronom-100.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=buten un binnen |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Polizeieinsatz nach Messerangriff: Zugverkehr stark betroffen |url=https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/kriminalitaet/id_100737748/hamburg-nach-messerangriff-zugverkehr-stark-betroffen.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=t-online |language=de}}

Responding fire department initially counted eight injured victims, which were revised to twelve within the hour. At least one person had been stabbed in the neck. Paramedics treated victims on-site at Steintordamm, near the train station. Emergency services were still in the process of combing the area for any unaccounted wounded people.

By 10 p.m., the fire department reported between 17 and 18 injuries.{{Cite web |date=23 May 2025 |title=Mehrere Menschen am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof mit Messer verletzt |trans-title=Multiple people injured with knife at Hamburg's main station |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/hamburg/hamburg-hauptbahnhof-messerangriff-100.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |title=Was bislang über den Angriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof bekannt ist |trans-title=What is known so far about the attack at Hamburg's main station |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/angriff-hamburg-hauptbahnhof-100.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Tagesschau |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Polizei geht nicht von politischem Motiv aus – Feuerwehr meldet 17 Verletzte |trans-title=Police don't assume political motive - fire department report 17 injured |url=https://www.stern.de/panorama/verbrechen/messerangriff-am-hamburger-hauptbahnhof---17-verletzte-laut-feuerwehr-35752304.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=stern.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Gewalttat: Messerangriff am Hauptbahnhof - 17 Menschen verletzt |url=https://ga.de/news/panorama/messerangriff-am-hauptbahnhof-17-menschen-verletzt_aid-128119191 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=General-Anzeiger Bonn |language=de}} Police declined to give an official number in the hours after the stabbing,{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Keine Hinweise auf politisches Motiv - Mindestens 17 Verletzte bei Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof - Polizei nimmt Frau fest |trans-title=No hints for political motive - At least 17 injured in knife attack at Hamburg's main station - Police arrests woman |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/mindestens-17-verletzte-bei-messerangriff-am-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-polizei-nimmt-frau-fest-100.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Deutschlandfunk |language=de}} At a press conference the next morning, police confirmed a total count of 18 injured, aged 19 to 85,{{Cite web |title="Die Gewalttat ist ein Schock für Hamburg" |trans-title="The act of violence is a shock for Hamburg" |url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article256164624/18-verletzte-nach-messerangriff-die-gewalttat-ist-ein-schock-fuer-hamburg.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}} including three injuries from "falls and shock". Four people had life-threatening injuries and another six had heavy injuries.{{Cite news |last=Voigt |first=Eric |date=2025-05-23 |title=Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Mehrere Verletzte bei Messerangriff in Hamburg |url=https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2025-05/mehrere-verletzte-bei-messerangriff-in-hamburg |access-date=2025-05-23 |work=Die Zeit |language=de-DE |issn=0044-2070}} By the following day, all victims were in stable condition,{{Cite news |last=Schuetze |first=Christopher F. |date=2025-05-24 |title=Hamburg, Germany Stabbing Victims in Stable Condition, Police Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/24/world/europe/germany-hamburg-stabbing.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=All injured in stable condition after stabbing at Hamburg train station in Germany |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-stabbing-hamburg-ed25ac076eaf66c7347868023bf8cd49 |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=AP News |language=en}} and as of 27 May, all but two were released from stationary hospital treatment.{{Cite web |last=Lenthe |first=André |date=2025-05-27 |title=Messer-Attacke am Hauptbahnhof: So geht es den Verletzten |url=https://www.mopo.de/hamburg/polizei/nach-messer-attacke-am-hauptbahnhof-so-geht-es-den-verletzten/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=MOPO |language=de}} Seven individuals were locals to Hamburg while the others were from Bremen, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Hesse, also including two citizens of Poland and Jordan.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-05-25 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Verdächtige soll aus Braunschweig kommen |url=https://www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de/niedersachsen/braunschweig/article409102613/messerangriff-in-hamburg-tatverdaechtige-gebuertig-aus-niedersachsen.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Braunschweiger Zeitung |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Vier Opfer von Hamburger Messerangriff sind aus Bremen |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/attacke-am-hauptbahnhof-vier-opfer-von-hamburger-messerangriff-sind-aus-bremen-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-250524-930-586767 |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Süddeutsche.de |language=de}}

Lydia S., a 39-year-old German woman from Braunschweig, was arrested by police as the suspect.{{Cite web |date=23 May 2025 |title=Viele Verletzte bei Messerangriff auf Hamburger Hauptbahnhof |trans-title=Many injured in knife attack at Hamburg's main station |url=https://www.n-tv.de/panorama/Zwoelf-Verletzte-bei-Messerangriff-auf-Hamburger-Hauptbahnhof-article25789705.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=n-tv |language=de}} Witnesses stated that the woman had stabbed people indiscriminately.{{Cite news |last=Khan |first=Miriam |last2=Pütz |first2=Florian |last3=Schwarze |first3=Elisa |date=2025-05-23 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Viele Verletzte – Großeinsatz am Hauptbahnhof |trans-title=Knife attack in Hamburg: Many injured - Massive operation at main train station |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/hamburger-hauptbahnhof-messerangriff-einsatzkraefte-melden-mindestens-zwoelf-verletzte-a-42db7b45-e01a-4490-bf7d-7179b0d72cfe |access-date=2025-05-23 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}} Evaluation of surveillance footage preceding the stabbing led police to believe that she acted alone.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=A stabbing at Hamburg's central train station causes multiple injuries. A woman is arrested |url=https://apnews.com/article/stabbing-hamburg-train-station-aa0c9d31a07e6055cf465986cbe578d0 |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=AP News |language=en}}

According to police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth, there is no evidence pointing towards a political or extremist motive. Investigators had "strong indication" for mental illness and that the suspect had been in "mental distress" at the time of the crime.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Motiv nach Messerattacke in Hamburg weiter unklar |trans-title=Motive after knife attack in Hamburg still unclear |url=https://presse-augsburg.de/motiv-nach-messerattacke-in-hamburg-weiter-unklar/1035550/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |work=Presse Augsburg |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=At least 18 injured in Hamburg, Germany train station stabbing, suspect arrested: authorities |url=https://6abc.com/post/hamburg-stabbing-suspect-arrested-least-18-injured-germany-attack-train-station-authorities-say/16521199/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=6abc Philadelphia |language=en}} There were no signs of intoxication on alcohol or drugs.

According to the news magazine Der Spiegel, Lydia S. had a prior criminal record, dating back to 2021, which included assault and arson.{{Cite news |last=Heinemann |first=Christoph |last2=Kroll |first2=Tom |last3=Lasarzik |first3=Annika |date=2025-05-27 |title=Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Sie fiel durch das System |url=https://www.zeit.de/2025/23/messerangriff-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-taeterin-psychische-erkrankung-motiv |access-date=2025-05-27 |work=Die Zeit |language=de-DE |issn=0044-2070}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-30 |title=Aufarbeitung: War der Messerangriff in Hamburg vermeidbar? |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/panorama/kriminalitaet/hamburg-bahnhof-messerangriff-frau-ermittlungen-100.html |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=ZDFheute |language=de}} On 5 March 2024, while riding a train to Bremen, she was arrested for attacking fellow passengers, with officers finding a hatchet in her backpack. Between November and December 2024, she spent several weeks at psychiatric clinic for suicide threats.{{Cite web |last= |date=4 June 2025 |title=Offene Fragen zur Hamburger Messerattacke: Kannte die Klinik die Vorgeschichte der Tatverdächtigen? |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Opposition-sieht-offene-Fragen-zur-Messerattacke-von-Hamburg,messerattacke540.html |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=NDR |language=de}} On 5 January 2025, she stabbed her parents with scissors during an argument in Großhansdorf, leaving her father with heavy injuries. Landesgericht Lübeck denied a request by the prosecutor's office to have Lydia S. put in a psychiatric ward.{{Cite web |last=Althaus |first=Peter |date=28 May 2025 |title=Eigene Familie betroffen: Angreiferin vom Hamburger Hauptbahnhof stach schon im Januar zu |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/17-verletzte-messerangriff-am-hamburger-hbf-taeterin-psychisch-krank_475dd67c-6431-4565-a2cd-0d947ddce549.html |website=FOCUS}}{{Cite news |date=2025-05-30 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Landgericht Lübeck lehnte Unterbringung von Täterin in psychiatrischer Klinik ab |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/messerangriff-in-hamburg-landgericht-luebeck-lehnte-unterbringung-in-psychiatrischer-klinik-ab-a-c88a6ab0-2964-4de8-8208-87b8fc9fa958 |access-date=2025-05-31 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}{{Cite web |last= |date=30 May 2025 |title=Vor Messerattacke in Hamburg: 39-jährige Tatverdächtige soll im Januar ihre Eltern in Großhansdorf angegriffen haben |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Ermittlungen-gegen-mutmassliche-Messerangreiferin-auch-in-SH,messerattacke540.html |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=NDR |language=de}} On 26 February of the same year, Lydia S. punched a six-year-old girl at the food court in Hamburg Airport, resulting in her being involuntarily committed to Ochsenzoll clinic in Langenhorn.{{Cite web |last=Drechsler |first=Jakob |date=2025-05-25 |title=Messerattacke Hauptbahnhof Hamburg: Frau (39) attackierte Fahrgäste mit Beil im Rucksack |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/hamburg-mitte/article409098339/messerattacke-am-hauptbahnhof-hamburg-frau-wurde-schon-im-zug-mit-beil-gestoppt-8.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Hamburger Abendblatt |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Gözübüyük |first=Daniel |date=2025-05-25 |title=Hauptbahnhof-Täterin: Im Februar hatte sie ein Kind am Flughafen angegriffen! (M+) |trans-title=Main train station-perpetrator: She attacked a child at the airport in February! |url=https://www.mopo.de/hamburg/polizei/attacke-am-hauptbahnhof-taeterin-wurde-einen-tag-vorher-aus-psychiatrie-entlassen/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=MOPO |language=de |url-access=subscription}} During her stay, she assaulted a fellow patient in March, for which she was being criminally investigated. She was released from Ochsenzoll, but recommitted in early May after police found her in a "helpless state" in Cuxhaven. After receiving treatment at a closed psychiatric ward in Geestland, reported as either four days{{Cite web |date=25 May 2025 |title=Mutmaßliche Messerstecherin soll in Psychiatrie – Unterbringung angeordnet |trans-title=Presumed knife attacker to be put in psychiatric ward - placement ordered |url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article256163380/Messerangriff-am-Hamburger-Hauptbahnhof-zwoelf-Menschen-verletzt.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}}{{Cite web |title=Hamburg: Messerangreiferin in Klinik eingeliefert |url=https://www.puls24.at/news/chronik/psychische-erkrankung-hamburg-messerangreiferin-wird-in-klinik-untergebracht/412159 |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Puls 24 |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Angreiferin kommt in Klinik |url=https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/kriminalitaet/id_100738168/hamburg-messerangreiferin-kommt-in-klinik.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=t-online |language=de}} or three weeks,{{Cite web |date=25 May 2025 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Verdächtige war in Psychiatrie in Cuxhaven |url=https://www.butenunbinnen.de/nachrichten/bremen-messerattacke-hauptbahnhof-hamburg-102.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=buten und binnen |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-25 |title=Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Tatverdächtige gesteht |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/messerangriff-am-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-tatverdaechtige-gesteht-110498124.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=FAZ.NET |language=de}}{{Cite web |last= |date=25 May 2025 |title=Niedersachsen: Messerattacke: Verdächtige aus Niedersachsen war polizeibekannt |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/niedersachsen/ndr-messerattacke-in-hamburg-frau-soll-aus-niedersachsen-stammen-100.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de}} she was released a day before the attack.{{Cite web |last=Paasch |first=Dennis |date=24 May 2025 |title=War Messerangreiferin Lydia S. in Psychiatrie in Geestland untergebracht? |trans-title=Was knife attacker Lydia S. housed at a psychiatric ward in Geestland? |url=https://www.nordsee-zeitung.de/cuxland/messerangriff-hamburg-hauptbahnhof-293650.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=NZ-Online |language=de}}{{Cite web |title=Verdachte mesaanval Hamburg was dag daarvoor ontslagen uit psychiatrische kliniek |trans-title=Suspect of Hamburg knife attack was released from psychiatric clinic a day before |url=https://www.nhnieuws.nl/nieuws/n186386/verdachte-mesaanval-hamburg-was-dag-daarvoor-ontslagen-uit-psychiatrische-kliniek |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=NH |language=nl}} She was previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was described as "part of the homeless community".{{Cite web |last=Werner |first=Cornelia |last2=Herder |first2=Daniel |last3=Kallenbach |first3=Kevin |last4=Arnig |first4=Michael |last5=Finke |first5=Irina |last6=Zand-Vakili |first6=André |last7=Lenthe |first7=André |date=2025-05-24 |title=Nach Messerangriff: Große Waffenkontrolle am Hauptbahnhof |trans-title=After knife attack: Major weapons search at main train station |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/hamburg-mitte/article409098339/messerstecherei-am-hauptbahnhof-acht-menschen-verletzt-5.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Hamburger Abendblatt |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=24 May 2025 |title=Hamburger Messerangreiferin wurde erst am Vortag aus der Psychiatrie entlassen |trans-title=Hamburg's knife attacker was released from psychiatric ward only the day before |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/17-verletzte-messerangriff-am-hamburger-hbf-taeterin-psychisch-krank_475dd67c-6431-4565-a2cd-0d947ddce549.html |website=FOCUS}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-25 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Polizei reagiert mit Großaktion – Rätsel um Zahl der Verletzten geklärt |trans-title=Knife attack in Hamburg: Police reacts with major action - Mystery around number of injured cleared |url=https://www.fr.de/panorama/nennt-weitere-details-hauptbahnhof-hamburg-frau-39-sticht-auf-passanten-ein-17-verletzte-polizei-zr-93750389.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |language=de}}

Several hours before the attack, Lydia S. had been stopped and checked by police at Hamburg Airport, when a paramedic noticed a bleeding injury on her face and called over officers because she appeared confused. S. did not have any identification on her, but claimed she was planning to fly to Paris. She told police of her recent release from a mental hospital and that the injury was inflicted by a staff member there, but she declined an offer to accompany officers to file charges.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-26 |title=Am Tag vor der Attacke: Darum ließ die Polizei Lydia S. gehen |url=https://www.mopo.de/hamburg/hauptbahnhof-taeterin-polizei-liess-sie-gehen-weil-sie-nach-paris-wollte/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=MOPO |language=de}}{{Cite news |last=Lehberger |first=Roman |last2=Wess |first2=Sara |date=2025-05-26 |title=(S+) Hamburg: Messerangreiferin wollte kurz vor der Tat offenbar nach Paris fliegen |url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/hamburg-messerangreiferin-wollte-kurz-vor-der-tat-offenbar-nach-paris-fliegen-a-755589b2-4664-4006-8822-de97b4fd2fa4 |access-date=2025-05-27 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}

The Federal Police of Germany temporarily closed off the southwestern part of the train station to the public for forensic investigation. The railways were fully reopened after 1:15 a.m.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Verdächtige soll in Psychatrie: Was wir zum Messerangriff in Hamburg mit 18 Verletzten wissen |trans-title=Suspect to be put in psychiatric ward: What we know about the knife attack in Hamburg with 18 injuries |url=https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/deutschland/hamburg-hauptbahnhof-messerangriff-psychatrie-100.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=ZDFheute |language=de}} The sequence of events was filmed by a surveillance camera and further detailed by questioning of witnesses. A background check into the suspect's prior psychiatric history was issued.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Messerattacke am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof – Tatverdächtige ist eine 39-Jährige |trans-title=Knife attack at Hamburg's main station - Suspect is a 39-year-old woman |url=https://www.stern.de/panorama/verbrechen/messerattacke-am-hamburger-hauptbahnhof---tatverdaechtige-ist-eine-39-jaehrige-35752304.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=stern.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Mesaanval op station Hamburg, meerdere slachtoffers in levensgevaar |trans-title=Knife attack at Hamburg station, multiple victims in mortal danger |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2568442-mesaanval-op-station-hamburg-meerdere-slachtoffers-in-levensgevaar |access-date= |website=NOS |language=nl}}

A magistrate judge has charged Lydia S. with 15 counts of attempted manslaughter in coincidence with dangerous bodily harm. She was set to be held at the Ochsenzoll facility while in custody.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Passanten stoppten mutig den Messerangriff – Täterin soll in Psychiatrie |trans-title=Passersby bravely stop the knife attack - perpetrator to be put in psychiatric ward |url=https://www.stern.de/panorama/verbrechen/hamburg--passanten-stoppten-messerangriff--taeterin-soll-in-psychiatrie-35752304.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=stern.de |language=de}}{{Cite news |title=Nach Messerattacke in Hamburg: Angreiferin soll in die Psychiatrie kommen – alle Verletzten sind in stabilem Zustand |trans-title=After knife attack in Hamburg: Attacker put in psychiatric ward - all injured in stable condition |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/panorama/nach-messerattacke-in-hamburg-angreiferin-soll-in-die-psychiatrie-kommen--alle-verletzten-sind-in-stabilem-zustand-13747303.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=Der Tagesspiegel Online |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Unterbringung in Klinik angeordnet |trans-title=Knife attack in Hamburg: suspect ordered to be placed in psychiatric clinic |url=https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/zwoelf-verletzte-bei-messerangriff-im-hamburger-hauptbahnhof |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=BR24 |language=de}} According to the Hamburg Public Prosecutor General's Office, S. confessed to her actions in front of the investigating judge.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Hamburg's First Mayor Peter Tschentscher to receive updates on the unfolding situation and the status of the injured. Merz called the attack "upsetting" and sent well wishes to the victims and their families.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=Bundeskanzler Merz telefoniert mit dem Ersten Bürgermeister der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher zum Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/bundeskanzler-merz-telefoniert-mit-dem-ersten-buergermeister-der-freien-und-hansestadt-hamburg-peter-tschentscher-zum-messerangriff-am-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-2349968 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Bundesregierung |language=de}} Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt called the attack "treacherous and cowardly". Merz, Tschentscher, and Dobrindt thanked the first responders for their life-saving efforts.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Reaktionen nach Messerangriff in Hamburg: Merz meldet sich – AfD mit massiver Kritik |url=https://www.fr.de/politik/angebot-messerattacke-in-hamburg-aktuell-merz-reagiert-und-macht-zr-93750507.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |language=de}}

Andreas Roßkopf, head of the Federal Police representation in the Gewerkschaft der Polizei (GdP) police union, has called for the government to make AI-based surveillance technology with movement recognition available for Federal Police officers at German train stations, in order to "detect behavioral abnormalities in advance".{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Nach Messerangriff in Hamburg: Polizeigewerkschafter stellt klare Forderungen |trans-title=After knife attack in Hamburg: Police trade unionionist makes clear demands |url=https://www.merkur.de/deutschland/nach-messerangriff-in-hamburg-polizeigewerkschafter-stellt-klare-forderungen-hauptbahnhof-93750695.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Münchener Merkur |language=de}} The union renewed existing calls for the implementation of a weapons-free zone at all train stations, which would allow officers to search individuals for weapons regardless of suspicion.{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-05-24 |title="Angstraum" Bahnhof: So könnten Bahnhöfe in großen Städten wie in NRW noch sicherer werden |url=https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/bahnhof-sicherheit-100.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=WDR |language=de}}

Following the reveal of the existing psychiatric record of Lydia S., GdP complained about the inability of officers to hold persons with known mental issues for involuntary commitment, which is only allowed in cases where individuals pose an acute danger to themselves or others.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-27 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Heikle Details über mutmaßliche Täterin aufgetaucht – Polizeigewerkschaft reagiert |url=https://www.merkur.de/welt/hamburg-drei-schwerverletzte-nach-messerangriff-in-zr-93750111.html |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=www.merkur.de |language=de}}{{Cite news |last=Lasarzik |first=Annika |last2=Kroll |first2=Tom |last3=Heinemann |first3=Christoph |date=2025-05-25 |title=Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: "Es macht uns fassungslos, wen wir aus dem Gewahrsam entlassen müssen" |url=https://www.zeit.de/hamburg/2025-05/messerangriff-hamburger-hauptbahnhof-psychische-krankheit-polizei |access-date=2025-05-27 |work=Die Zeit |language=de-DE |issn=0044-2070}} There was further criticism regarding the discharge of Lydia S. a day before the stabbing, in spite of her history of violent incidents and an ongoing investigation against her; a court order is required to hold a person in involuntary commitment for longer periods of time.{{Cite web |last=Habich |first=Irene |date=2025-05-27 |title=Messerangriff in Hamburg: Warum wurde die Tatverdächtige aus der Psychiatrie entlassen? |url=https://www.rnd.de/wissen/messerangriff-in-hamburg-warum-wurde-die-tatverdaechtige-aus-der-psychiatrie-entlassen-SIIQTQ76EBD35ONFBIL3C5GCSU.html |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=RND |language=de}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-26 |title=Messerattacke in Hamburg: Haben die Ärzte versagt? |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/panorama/messerattacke-hamburg-psychatrie-taeterin-100.html |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=ZDFheute |language=de}}{{Cite web |title=Verdächtige war vor Messerattacke in Debstedt: Das sagt ein Psychiater |url=https://www.zevener-zeitung.de/region/die-huerden-fuer-eine-unterbringung-sind-hoch-294082.html |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=ZZ-Online |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Berndt |first=Christina |date=2025-05-26 |title=Messerattacke am Hauptbahnhof Hamburg: Warum wurde die Frau aus der Psychiatrie entlassen? |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/hamburg-hauptbahnhof-messer-angriff-verletzte-psychiatrie-entlassung-li.3259137 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Süddeutsche.de |language=de}} The Lower Saxony ministry of social affairs planned a law reform which would allow for more throrough examinations of patients due for release at mental hospitals. Law enforcement would also receive easier access to information about potential risk persons ({{Interlanguage link|Gefährder|de}}) with prior forced psychiatric stays.{{Cite web |date=28 May 2025 |title=Verdächtige war vor Messerangriff in Debstedt: Ministerium will Gesetz verbessern |url=https://www.nordsee-zeitung.de/cuxland/verdaechtige-war-vor-messerangriff-in-debstedt-ministerium-will-gesetz-verbessern-294623.html |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=NZ-Online |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Grützner |first=Hannah |date=2025-06-13 |title=Nach Messerangriff in Hamburg: Landesregierung arbeitet an Neuerung des Niedersächsichen Psychisch-Kranken-Gesetzes |url=https://www.haz.de/der-norden/nach-messerangriff-in-hamburg-landesregierung-arbeitet-an-neuerung-des-niedersaechsichen-psychisch-K3NN7KM7OJCNJOWXRIMCPO6Q7U.html |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=HAZ |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Lampe |first=Jule |date=3 June 2025 |title=Nach Messerattacken: Wie umgehen mit gefährlichen psychisch Kranken? |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/Nach-Messerattacken-Wie-umgehen-mit-gefaehrlichen-psychisch-Kranken,gesetzpsychkg100.html |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=ndr.de |language=de}}

Konstantin von Notz, Bundestag MP for Alliance 90/The Greens, called for permanent posting of Federal Police at train stations and airports as a security measure. Sören Pellmann, Leader of The Left in the Bundestag, advocated for increased spending in mental health care.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-05-25 |title=Grüne und Linke fordern Konsequenzen nach Messerangriff von Hamburg {{!}} Presse Augsburg |url=https://presse-augsburg.de/gruene-und-linke-fordern-konsequenzen-nach-messerangriff-von-hamburg/1035803/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Presse Augsburg |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jana |date=2025-05-25 |title=Nach Messerangriff in Hamburg: Opposition fordert volle Polizeipräsenz und mehr Prävention |url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/messerangriff-hamburg-opposition-fordert-mehr-polizeipraesenz-und-praevention_aid-128172177 |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=RP ONLINE |language=de}}

Several conspiracy theories circulated on social media shortly after the attack. AI-generated images were spread to falsely claim that Muhammad al-Muhammad, one of the men who helped restrain the suspect, did not exist and was an invention of the press.{{Cite web |last=Eisele |first=Ines |date=31 May 2025 |title=Hamburg knife attack: How fake images spread right-wing hate |url=https://www.dw.com/en/hamburg-knife-attack-how-fake-images-spread-right-wing-hate/a-72724151 |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-05-27 |title=Hamburg: Syrer griff bei Messerattacke ein, jetzt wird er angefeindet |url=https://www.morgenpost.de/politik/article409121420/syrer-griff-bei-messerattacke-ein-jetzt-wird-er-angefeindet.html |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Berliner Morgenpost |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Siggelkow |first=Pascal |date=31 May 2025 |title=Fakes über Täterin und Helfer nach Messerangriff in Hamburg im Umlauf |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/faktenfinder/hamburg-hauptbahnhof-fakes-100.html |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de}}{{Cite web |last=Baskici |first=Halit |last2=Shehawi |first2=Mayss |date=18 June 2025 |title=Nach Messerangriff am Hamburger Hauptbahnhof: Hass gegen syrischen "Retter" |url=https://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/panorama3/meldungen/nach-messerangriff-in-hamburg-hass-gegen-syrischen-retter,messerangriff-retter-hass-100.html |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=NDR |language=de}}

{{reflist}}

{{Mass stabbings in the 2020s}}

{{Railway accidents and incidents in 2025}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamburg stabbing attack, 2025}}

Category:2025 crimes in Germany

Stabbing attack

Category:May 2025 crimes in Europe

Category:May 2025 in Germany

Category:Stabbing attacks in 2025

Category:Attacks on railway stations in Europe

2025 stabbing attack

Category:Knife attacks in Germany

Category:Mass stabbings in Germany