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Ax attacker in Kassel: Man threatens 16-year-old after tram dispute!
In Kassel, a dispute on the tram escalated: a man threatened a mother and children with an ax. Police are investigating.
Ax attacker in Kassel: Man threatens 16-year-old after tram dispute!
An incident occurred on the Kassel tram on the evening of July 2nd, which represented an alarming situation not only for those affected, but also for many commuters on public transport. A 32-year-old woman from the Werra-Meißner district was driving with five children between the ages of two and 13 when a 49-year-old man got on the tram with an e-scooter and immediately demanded space for his vehicle. This wish triggered an argument with the mother, which not only resulted in verbal hostility, but the man also spat at and threatened the woman. How 112 Magazine reported, the woman then informed the tram driver and called the emergency number.
The incident escalated further when a 16-year-old witness, who intervened during the argument, asked the man to wait until the police arrived. However, the attacker got off at the “Kirchgasse” stop, followed by the teenager, and suddenly took an ax out of his backpack with which he threatened the 16-year-old. The boy then decided to break off the chase. The police finally came two hours later and arrested the man in Kaufungen. However, despite his aggressive actions, no ax was found during the arrest. A breath alcohol test showed the man had a blood alcohol level of 1.1 per mille. He now has to answer for threats and insults. Also the reporting from News.de is based on these events.
Public safety in local transport
This incident once again highlights the security situation in local public transport, which according to a study by the Federal Criminal Police Office (SKiD) is worrying. More than half of women and almost a quarter of men avoid taking buses and trains at night out of fear for their own safety Northern Courier reported. Within a year, the number of violent crimes at German train stations rose from 25,640 in 2023 to 27,160 last year.
It is striking that many people, especially women, feel unsafe on trams and buses at night and alone. These fears are also reflected in the rough numbers: most gender crimes were registered at Dortmund main station, while 57 offenses were recorded in Cologne in 2023. The addition of security measures, such as 11,000 video cameras, appears necessary to increase passengers' sense of security.
It remains to be seen how the incident in Kassel will influence the public discussion about safety in local transport. Travelers' concerns are not unfounded and authorities have a responsibility to take measures to protect people on their everyday journeys.