German authorities responded to a brutal stabbing attack on Friday at the city of Hamburg's main train station. At least 12 people sustained injuries in the bloody incident. Several of the victims are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, local media reported. A suspect has been taken into custody, police said.

The incident occurred around 6 pm local time at Hamburg's Central Station, one of the busiest public transport stations in the nation.

Police identified the suspect only as a 39-year-old woman and believe that she acted alone, Hamburg police said, according to ABC News. Investigators are working to determine a possible motive and are investigating her background. Authorities did not release any further details about the suspect.

A spokesperson for the Hamburg fire department told DPA that at least 12 people were injured. Six of the victims are in a life-threatening condition, three of them sustained serious injuries, and the other three received minor injuries, according to officials.

Police said a "major operation" is underway in the incident.

In October 2023, a prohibition on carrying knives at train stations went into effect, and in December 2024, Germany imposed a blanket ban on carrying blades on public transportation, DPA reported. The country has seen what appears to be an ongoing cycle of knife violence, and despite the restrictions, people are still being subjected to violent stabbings.

Deutsche Bahn, the national railway operator, expressed "deep dismay" at the attack in a statement, saying, "Our thoughts and sympathy are with the injured." The company said there will be several train disruptions.