At least two people have been killed and more than 20 others injured after a car drove into a crowd in the eastern German city of Leipzig, authorities confirmed on Monday.
According to local officials, the incident occurred in the busy central area around Grimmaische Straße and Augustusplatz, where a vehicle struck multiple pedestrians before coming to a stop near roadside bollards. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene as police secured the area.
Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung confirmed that a 33-year-old German man suspected of carrying out the attack has been arrested. Authorities say the motive remains unclear as investigations continue.
Police spokesperson Susanne Luebcke stated that the driver moved through several central streets, hitting pedestrians along the way. “Several people were injured in the incident. Unfortunately, we also have to report two fatalities,” she said, describing the घटना as a violent rampage believed to involve a lone perpetrator.
Leipzig fire chief Axel Shuh reported that 22 people were injured, including at least two in serious condition. Prosecutors later confirmed that the victims who died were a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German citizens.
State premier Michael Kretschmer noted that the suspect had a history of mental illness. However, prosecutors said there is currently no evidence suggesting a political or religious motive behind the attack. The suspect is being investigated on charges of murder and attempted murder.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the car sped through the crowded street. One witness said the vehicle was traveling at high speed before a loud impact was heard, prompting people to seek shelter in nearby shops. Others reported that bystanders rushed to assist the injured while several individuals attempted to stop the driver before police arrived and detained him.
The incident adds to a series of vehicle-ramming attacks in Germany in recent years, raising ongoing concerns about public safety in crowded urban areas. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continues.
