A 33-year-old German drove a car into a pedestrian zone in Leipzig's city center, striking several people. Two died, including a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man. The driver was arrested.
On late Monday afternoon around 4:45 p.m., the suspect drove a white car from Augustusplatz over the market square and Grimmaische Street into the pedestrian zone. He struck several people there. Police arrested the 33-year-old, who lives in the Leipzig region and was born in Germany, still in the vehicle. He surrendered without resistance.
The fatalities were a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German nationals. At least three others suffered serious injuries, with about 80 people affected in total. Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) described the man as "most likely an amok perpetrator." Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) confirmed two deaths, three seriously injured, and many more injured.
Prosecutors are investigating two counts of murder and at least two counts of attempted murder. Lead Senior Public Prosecutor Claudia Laube stated: "We assume an amok act." Political or religious motives are ruled out based on initial findings. The suspect was known to police but not for similar offenses.
Premier Michael Kretschmer (CDU) expressed shock: "Such an act leaves us speechless – and determined." Police set up a tip portal and hotline for witness information. Onlookers provided quick and prudent assistance at the scene.
