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What Happened at Würzburg Station?
A 35-year-old Afghan man attacked Jehovah's Witnesses with a knife at Würzburg Central Station in Germany on February 23, 2026, leaving three people injured in what police are treating as attempted homicide. The incident occurred around 7:50 AM local time when the suspect approached a Jehovah's Witness information stand and made stabbing motions toward a 68-year-old man before physically assaulting two other men aged 55 and 51. All three victims sustained minor injuries but remarkably suffered no stab wounds, according to Bavarian police reports.
Background: Würzburg's Troubled History with Knife Violence
Würzburg, a historic city in Bavaria with approximately 130,000 residents, has unfortunately experienced similar violence before. The attack immediately recalls a 2021 Würzburg knife attack that left three people dead and five seriously injured. That incident involved a mentally ill refugee who went on a stabbing rampage in the city center, sparking nationwide debates about mental health care and public safety.
The city, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site Würzburger Residenz and rebuilt old town, now faces renewed security concerns at its major transportation hub. Würzburg Central Station serves as a critical transportation node in northern Bavaria, connecting major cities like Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to police statements, the sequence of events was both sudden and dramatic:
- 7:50 AM: The 35-year-old Afghan national approached the Jehovah's Witness information stand
- Initial assault: Made stabbing motions toward a 68-year-old man
- Secondary attacks: Physically assaulted a 55-year-old and 51-year-old man
- Intervention: Bystanders including a plainclothes police officer subdued the attacker
- Arrest: Federal police arrived and took the suspect into custody
Police have cordoned off the area and are reviewing CCTV footage while conducting a search of the suspect's apartment. The investigation is being led by Bavarian State Police with federal support.
Germany's Knife Crime Statistics and Migration Debate
This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising knife violence in Germany. According to Federal Police data, Germany experienced a 17% increase in knife-related attacks during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The statistics show 737 knife crimes were recorded between January and June 2025, with immigrants significantly overrepresented among suspects.
While immigrants make up 14.86% of Germany's population, they accounted for 36.64% of all knife crime suspects. Most incidents occurred at train stations (409 cases) and railway tracks (108 cases). This data has fueled intense political debates about migration policies and public safety, particularly following incidents like the Solingen terrorist attack in August 2024 that left three dead.
Security Measures and Political Response
The German government has implemented several security measures in response to rising knife violence:
- Banning knives in certain public places
- Establishing knife-free zones in cities
- Enhanced police presence at transportation hubs
- Stricter border controls implemented in September 2024
Alternative for Germany (AfD) MP Martin Hess has criticized current measures as insufficient, calling for stronger border protection and deportations. 'This attack shows our migration policies are failing to protect citizens,' Hess stated in a recent interview.
Impact on Religious Freedom and Public Safety
The targeted nature of this attack against Jehovah's Witnesses raises concerns about religious freedom in Germany. According to the 2023 U.S. Department of State report on religious freedom, Germany has seen significant increases in both antisemitic crimes (up 95% to 5,154 incidents) and anti-Muslim crimes (up 140% to 1,464 incidents) compared to 2022.
Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany have faced previous violence, including a deadly shooting at a gathering in Hamburg. The community maintains approximately 170,000 active members in Germany, making it one of the country's larger religious minorities.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Security Implications
Police are treating this case as attempted homicide and continue their investigation. Key areas of focus include:
| Investigation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Motive Analysis | Determining whether attack was religiously motivated |
| CCTV Review | Examining station surveillance footage |
| Suspect Background | Investigating suspect's immigration status and history |
| Weapon Analysis | Examining the knife used in the attack |
The incident has reignited debates about German immigration policy reforms and public safety measures at transportation hubs. With train stations accounting for the majority of knife crimes in Germany, security experts are calling for enhanced measures at these vulnerable locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the Würzburg station attack occur?
The attack occurred at approximately 7:50 AM local time on February 23, 2026, during morning rush hour at Würzburg Central Station.
How many people were injured in the attack?
Three men were injured - aged 68, 55, and 51. All sustained minor injuries with no stab wounds reported.
What is the suspect's background?
The suspect is a 35-year-old man from Afghanistan. Police have arrested him and are conducting a thorough investigation into his background and motives.
Has Würzburg experienced similar attacks before?
Yes, in 2021 a mentally ill refugee killed three people in a stabbing attack in Würzburg, making this the second major knife incident in the city in five years.
What security measures are in place at German train stations?
Germany has implemented increased police presence, CCTV surveillance, and knife bans in certain areas, though critics argue these measures need strengthening.
Sources
Bavarian Police Statement
Germany Knife Crime Statistics 2025
U.S. Religious Freedom Report 2023
2021 Würzburg Attack Report
