Two people were killed and at least 22 others injured after a car was driven into a crowd in the eastern German city of Leipzig on Monday afternoon, according to local authorities.
The incident took place in the busy central area of Grimmaische Straße, where a vehicle sped through pedestrians, causing panic and destruction. Police said three of the injured are in serious condition.
Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung described the घटना as a “horrific rampage,” expressing shock and grief over the loss of life. He confirmed that the suspect, a 33-year-old German citizen, was arrested shortly after the attack, though the motive remains unclear.
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone. Michael Kretschmer stated that the individual had a history of mental illness, which may have played a role in the incident. However, prosecutors emphasized there is currently no evidence linking the attack to political or religious extremism.
Police spokesperson Susanne Luebcke said the driver moved at high speed across Augustusplatz before entering Grimmaische Street, striking multiple people along the way. The vehicle eventually stopped after hitting street barriers.
The victims who lost their lives were identified as a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German nationals. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into charges of murder and attempted murder.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos. One witness said she heard a loud bang before seeing injured people lying on the ground. Others reported that bystanders quickly intervened, attempting to stop the driver before police arrived and took him into custody.
This incident adds to a series of similar attacks in Germany in recent years. In 2024, a deadly हमला at a Christmas market in Magdeburg left multiple people dead, while another car-ramming case in Munich injured dozens.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, but investigations are continuing to determine the full circumstances behind the attack.
