Attack on the ICE: 20-year-old injures passengers with hammer and ax!

Attack on the ICE: 20-year-old injures passengers with hammer and ax!

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, a disturbing incident occurred on an ICE train between Regensburg and Plattling when a 20-year-old Syrian attacked passengers with a hammer and an ax. The young man, who is registered in Austria near Vienna, injured four people, including three compatriots aged 15, 24 and 51. The nationality of the fourth victim, a 38-year-old passenger, remains unknown for the time being. Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed the events and emphasized that the Bavarian and Austrian authorities are working closely together to clarify the incident. The Daily Mirror reports that the attacker was not previously known to the police in Bavaria and that further checks in other federal states are still pending.

The dangerous situation on the train led to quick reactions. Several passengers activated the emergency stop, which caused the ICE to come to a standstill in Straßkirchen. The travelers partially overpowered the perpetrator and stole a weapon from him, which they then used to hit him. The attacker was “slightly more seriously injured” and is now in police custody, but is receiving medical treatment. His life is not in danger and the injured only suffered minor injuries. T Online adds that the exact motives for the attack are currently unclear.

Response and security situation

The police were quickly on site, supported by numerous rescue workers and two helicopters. A support center was set up for passengers, who were understandably shaken after the incident. Deutsche Bahn expressed its sympathy for all those affected and thanked the emergency services for the quick arrest of the suspect.

This incident adds to the alarming figures on violent crime in Germany. According to current data, violent crime only accounts for less than 4% of all crimes recorded by the police, but it has a major impact on people's sense of security. Statista reports an increase in violent crime, with approximately 217,000 cases recorded in 2024, the highest number since 2007. What is worrying is that the proportion of young violent criminals is increasing and is seen as a major problem in public perception.

It remains to be seen whether and what further information about the attacker's motive will come to light. Regardless, the incident is further tragic evidence of how important the issue of security in public spaces is and that there is still a need for discussions about how the population can be better protected from such acts of violence.