Ax attack on the ICE: Four injured after a mysterious trail of violence!
On July 4, 2025, a 20-year-old Syrian attacked passengers with an ax and hammer on the ICE near Straßkirchen. Four injured. Investigations are ongoing.

Ax attack on the ICE: Four injured after a mysterious trail of violence!
A disturbing incident stirred emotions in Germany on Thursday. A 20-year-old Syrian injured several passengers on an ICE train with an ax and a hammer. The crime occurred on the ICE 91, which was traveling from Hamburg-Altona to Vienna and had to make an emergency stop shortly before Straßkirchen train station. How idowa Reportedly, four people, including a woman from Syria and her son, were injured, some seriously. Fortunately, no one's life is in danger.
The aggressor was overwhelmed by brave passengers and suffered serious injuries himself. Details about the exact background and motive for the crime are still unclear. Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, however, said that so far there were no signs of an extremist background. The 20-year-old is registered in Austria and had a residence permit. It was reported that he spoke to the victims immediately before the incident.
First reactions and investigations
Police are planning a press conference on Friday at 1 p.m. to present the current status of the investigation. The suspect could be brought before a judge on Friday, who will decide on possible pre-trial detention. The consequences of the attack are also logistically significant: Deutsche Bahn provided food and onward transport for the remaining passengers, who were accommodated in a gym in Straßkirchen after the incident. Around 150 emergency services, including rescue services and psychosocial emergency providers, were deployed on a large scale.
The violent incidents on public transport shed light on a worrying development. Loud Statista Violent crimes account for less than 4% of all crimes recorded by the police in Germany, but they have a strong impact on public perception and feelings of security. About 217,000 violent crimes were recorded in 2024, the highest number since 2007. The causes are diverse and can be attributed, among other things, to social pressures and economic uncertainties.
Social impact
In addition, cases of violence against rescue workers are increasing. Around 2,740 acts of violence against them were recorded in 2023, reaching worrying highs. A survey in May 2024 shows that 94% of Germans see violence and aggression against people from politics, the police and emergency services as an urgent problem. These tense conditions in society require urgent attention and action to ensure the safety of everyone.
Given these developments, it is important to await further investigations into the ICE attack while discussing possible preventive measures. Until police provide clear results, the incident remains a call for vigilance in an uncertain time.