Three Injured in Swiss Train Station Stabbing as Authorities Label Attack ‘Act of Terror’
Three people were injured in a stabbing attack at a train station in Winterthur on Thursday in what Swiss authorities have described as an “act of terror.”
Police confirmed that the suspect, a 31-year-old Swiss-Turkish dual national, was arrested within minutes of the attack after emergency services responded to the scene shortly before 8:30 a.m.
According to regional police chief Marius Weyermann, the suspect had previously come to the attention of authorities in 2015 for distributing propaganda linked to the extremist group Islamic State.
Officials also revealed that the man had recently been admitted to a psychiatric facility after contacting emergency services and making what were described as “confused comments.” However, he reportedly left the facility on Wednesday after medical professionals determined he did not pose a danger.
The victims, all Swiss men aged 28, 43, and 52, sustained injuries during the attack. Authorities said two of the victims were discharged or expected to leave hospital later on Thursday, while the oldest victim remained hospitalized following surgery for a thigh injury.
Investigators believe the suspect acted alone, and authorities have not indicated any evidence of a wider network or coordinated plot.
Mario Fehr, the top security official for the Zurich region, condemned the incident and described it as “an evil act of terror.” He stated that the suspect was born in Switzerland, obtained Swiss citizenship in 2009, and had reportedly spent much of the past two years in Turkey.
The attack has renewed concerns across Europe over lone-actor extremism and public safety at transportation hubs.
Winterthur, home to around 123,000 residents, is located near Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.
