Psychiatric patient, armed with knives, carried out the crime the day following hospitalization.
German Woman, 39, Allegedly With Psychiatric History, Charged for Hamburg Knife Attack
A 39-year-old German woman, identified as Lydia S., has been ordered into detention following a knife attack at Hamburg Central Station that left 18 people injured. According to reports, Lydia was in psychiatric care until a day before the incident.
The attack occurred on the evening of May 23 between tracks 13 and 14. Lydia, a Braunschweig native, reportedly stabbed people standing nearby at random with a knife, as stated by the police. The suspect was allegedly seen handling a knife on the south platform of the central station before the incident.
Authorities have suggested that Lydia may have been mentally distressed at the time of the attack, with "very clear indications of a psychological illness," but no signs of intoxication by drugs or alcohol were found. The police have stated that the attack does not appear to have a politically motivated background.
Lydia is suspected of having acted alone. Previous records show she had a history of psychiatric illness, having been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. She was released from a closed psychiatric ward in Geesthacht just one day before the attack.
It is worth noting that Lydia has a prior criminal record, including possession of an undeclared blunt weapon, and was believed to be homeless at the time. Investigations are ongoing, with Lydia currently charged with multiple counts of attempted manslaughter.
Some of the injured have since been discharged from hospitals, but the health conditions of seven people remain serious. The three women, aged 24, 52, and 85, and the 24-year-old man have all seen an improvement in their conditions since the incident.
This incident comes after reports surfaced of another alleged incident involving Lydia at Hamburg Airport in February, where she attacked a six-year-old girl. Additionally, there was another incident in March 2025 at a psychiatric hospital in Hamburg-Ochsenzoll, where she allegedly committed bodily harm.
Sources: ntv.de, mpe/dpa
The investigation into the knife attack at Hamburg Central Station involves examining community and employment policies, given the suspect's history of psychiatric illness and potential homelessness. The unfortunate incident has brought mental health into the general-news spotlight, urging a closer look at healthcare and wellness services for those in need. As crime-and-justice authorities continue to gather evidence, they also delve into the science behind mental illnesses to understand the circumstances surrounding Lydia's alleged actions.
