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Passengers Overpower Axe and Hammer Attacker on ICE Train to Vienna

The incident intensifies scrutiny of public-space safety measures on high-speed rail.

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Police and forensics are investigating an ICE train in which a man attacked several passengers in Strasskirchen, Germany, Thurdsday, July 3, 2025. (Armin Weigel/dpa via AP)
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Overview

  • The attacker, identified as a 20-year-old Syrian national, boarded the ICE service armed with an axe and a hammer.
  • Around 500 people were on board when four passengers were injured, including one with serious wounds and three with moderate or light injuries.
  • Fellow travelers disarmed the assailant, applied the emergency brake near Straßkirchen and held him until police arrived.
  • Some 150 emergency responders set up a care center, treated the wounded and deployed psychological support for traumatized bystanders.
  • The heavily injured suspect remains in police custody receiving medical treatment as authorities probe his motive and rule out extremist links.