A mass stabbing attack at a Swiss train station left three people injured on Thursday morning before police arrested a suspect within minutes, with officials later describing the incident as a “terrorist act" despite police refusing to ascribe a motive.
The stabbing took place during the morning rush at Winterthur train station, Switzerland’s sixth-largest city. Police said emergency services received the first call at 8:28 am local time, and the suspect was arrested by 8:33 am.
Witnesses reported panic inside the station as a man reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar!” before attacking people with a knife. Three Swiss nationals aged 28, 43, and 52 were injured and taken to the hospital. Authorities identified the suspect as a 31-year-old Swiss-Turkish dual national, named in reports as Nesip Dedeler. He was taken into custody at the scene after the attack, according to French outlet Le Monde.
Officials in Zurich’s security leadership said the attack was being treated as terroristic. Mario Fehr, who leads security in the canton of Zurich, told a press conference, “I am exceptionally calling this a terrorist attack.” He said the case appeared linked to radicalisation.
Regional police commander Marius Weyermann said it was “clear from the scene that the motive for this act must be sought in the realm of radicalization and extremism.”
Weyermann said the suspect had a history of psychological problems and had previously been known to authorities. He also said the man came to police attention in 2015 for distributing Islamic State (IS) propaganda.
Witness accounts described chaotic scenes as the attacker moved through the station area during the morning commute. Some reports said a school group passing through the station was moved to safety, with a teacher seen shielding children as the situation unfolded. One witness told Swiss media they saw a man moving through an underpass and attacking people with a knife. Another reported hearing the suspect shout before the assault began.
Of the victims, a 52-year-old man remains in hospital following emergency surgery for a thigh wound. The other two victims sustained injuries to the leg and neck and are expected to leave the hospital or have already been discharged.
The stabbing took place during the morning rush at Winterthur train station, Switzerland’s sixth-largest city. Police said emergency services received the first call at 8:28 am local time, and the suspect was arrested by 8:33 am.
Witnesses reported panic inside the station as a man reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar!” before attacking people with a knife. Three Swiss nationals aged 28, 43, and 52 were injured and taken to the hospital. Authorities identified the suspect as a 31-year-old Swiss-Turkish dual national, named in reports as Nesip Dedeler. He was taken into custody at the scene after the attack, according to French outlet Le Monde.
Officials in Zurich’s security leadership said the attack was being treated as terroristic. Mario Fehr, who leads security in the canton of Zurich, told a press conference, “I am exceptionally calling this a terrorist attack.” He said the case appeared linked to radicalisation.
Regional police commander Marius Weyermann said it was “clear from the scene that the motive for this act must be sought in the realm of radicalization and extremism.”
Weyermann said the suspect had a history of psychological problems and had previously been known to authorities. He also said the man came to police attention in 2015 for distributing Islamic State (IS) propaganda.
Witness accounts described chaotic scenes as the attacker moved through the station area during the morning commute. Some reports said a school group passing through the station was moved to safety, with a teacher seen shielding children as the situation unfolded. One witness told Swiss media they saw a man moving through an underpass and attacking people with a knife. Another reported hearing the suspect shout before the assault began.
Of the victims, a 52-year-old man remains in hospital following emergency surgery for a thigh wound. The other two victims sustained injuries to the leg and neck and are expected to leave the hospital or have already been discharged.
