BERLIN, Germany — A violent assault on a high-speed train has left four individuals injured and has raised concerns about safety on public transportation. Prosecutors reported July 4 that the attacker, a 20-year-old Syrian man, has been arrested, but a definitive motive remains unclear.
The incident took place on July 3 as the train traveled from Hamburg to Vienna, passing through Bavaria. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the suspect wielded a hammer and an axe during the assault, which occurred without warning. Authorities confirmed that the young man had drugs in his system, although the specific substances are still being investigated.
At a news conference, Thomas Rauscher, chief prosecutor in Regensburg, stated that authorities are exploring various angles but cannot currently confirm or dismiss any extremist motives associated with the attack. There were unverified claims from witnesses stating they observed the suspect praying and shouting “Allahu Akbar” prior to the attack.
Stefan Schillinger, the local police chief in Straubing, indicated that the suspect attracted attention from passengers due to odd behavior before launching his assault. His first victim, a 38-year-old German man, was injured while attempting to alert others to the threat. The suspect subsequently attacked a Syrian woman and her two sons, aged 24 and 15. In a turn of events, the elder son managed to seize the hammer from the suspect and defended himself.
The suspect now remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Meanwhile, the Austrian interior ministry revealed that he had arrived in the country as a minor and was granted refugee protection in 2022. However, he has a criminal history that includes convictions for bodily harm and obstruction of justice. A process is underway to revoke his asylum status.
This incident coincided with a significant announcement from Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, who stated that the nation had recently deported a convicted criminal back to Syria. This action marks a notable step, as Austria becomes the first EU country to engage in such deportations in recent years. Authorities are emphasizing the need to evaluate and address issues surrounding asylum seekers and public safety in light of this incident.