German police call for further measures after spate of knife attacks
At least 18 people were injured after a 39-year-old German woman with a mental health condition attacked a group of people with a knife at the station during rush hour.
The attack occurred despite the station being subject to a knife ban since December 2024, which fines anyone found carrying a bladed object with a €10,000 penalty.
Police forces and experts are calling for different measures on top of a knife ban in response to the incident, which follows a spate of similar attacks, including one in Bielefeld the week prior in which five were injured.
DPoIG national chairman Rainer Wendt argued on Monday that "modern video technology" must be used in areas with high crime rates.
In addition, Germany's law enforcement would need "considerably more police forces and relief from non-prison tasks" to implement such technology, Wendt told Euronews. The problem is one of "capacity", according to Wendt.
His comments echo those of GdP chairman Andreas Roßkopf, who advocated for placing surveillance cameras with facial recognition technology in so-called "crime hotspots" in the aftermath of the attack.
Such cameras could "detect behavioural problems in advance," Roßkopf told the domestic press. In another interview, Roßkopf also called for police to be able to carry out increased checks without cause to tackle knife crime.
A spokesperson for the German interior ministry said that after the latest incident, security would once again take a front seat. "Video surveillance is part of the concept. We are already testing AI-based video surveillance at Hansaplatz that detects conspicuous movement patterns," spokesperson Daniel Schaefer said.
Experts agree that knife bans by themselves are not always impactful in combating crime — partly due to the difficulty in enforcing them in places such as busy train stations like Hamburg's, through which thousands pass daily.
"Weapons ban zones in my view are not a sustainable approach to crime prevention," criminologist at the University of Zurich Dirk Baier told Euronews. "They rely too heavily on controlling and searching passersby."
However, according to Baier, neither artificial intelligence nor increased police powers is a single solution to preventing more knife crime.
"Knives can be inconspicuously carried in pants or jacket pockets, AI cannot detect that. And knife attackers only behave conspicuously at the moment of the attack, not beforehand," Baier said.
Preventative work in schools and early detection are more effective, Baier believes. "Often, individuals who commit knife crimes have previously exhibited aggressive behaviour. The risk posed by such individuals must be identified earlier."
DPoIG's Wendt said the family also plays a vital role in the prevention of violent knife attacks.
"For young people, it is above all their families who are responsible. If education teaches that it is okay to carry knives, schools, playgrounds and all other public spaces become dangerous places," he said.
"Parental responsibility must be emphasised more than before. They are responsible for ensuring that their children go to school unarmed. If necessary, sanctions must be used to make it clear to them that this is not a trivial matter," Wendt concluded.
Knife crime has steeply risen in Germany over the past few years, with police statistics showing an almost 10% year-on-year increase in bodily assaults involving knives since 2023.
Restrictions, such as those in place at Hamburg train station, were put in place after a mass fatal stabbing in the western city of Solingen in 2024, in which three people were killed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fashion Network
5 hours ago
- Fashion Network
France lashes out as EU agrees to tariff pact with Washington
France has denounced the new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States as a 'submission,' even as most EU members acknowledged the deal was unequal but necessary to avoid an economically damaging trade war with Washington. The framework agreement, announced Sunday between two economies representing nearly a third of global trade, allows the U.S. to impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods starting next month. The deal offers limited protection for key sectors, including the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. While the 15% rate is half of what Washington initially threatened, it still exceeds European expectations significantly. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to reshape global trade using tariff leverage since returning to the White House earlier this year, praised the accord during a visit to Scotland, calling it 'the biggest deal ever made.' But France, the EU's second-largest economy, was outspoken in its disapproval. 'It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission,' French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X (formerly Twitter). French President Emmanuel Macron has made no public statement on the matter. While the mood across Europe was subdued, most governments agreed that failing to reach an agreement would have triggered a far worse scenario. 'This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-oriented German economy hard,' said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country leads the EU bloc's economic rankings. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said during a press conference that allowing 30% tariffs to be imposed would have been 'much, much worse.' 'This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances,' he added. Some member states acknowledged the deal provides stability following months of trade tensions with the U.S. Sweden described it as the 'least bad alternative,' while Spain supported it 'without enthusiasm.' A final deal will likely require ratification from EU capitals. Still work to do Because trade policy falls under the European Commission's authority, French objections are unlikely to derail the framework agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalised. Many of the agreement's specifics remain unknown. EU officials said they expect clarification in a joint statement to be released by August 1. Additional negotiations will follow to turn the agreement into a full-fledged deal. Germany also called for further negotiations, particularly regarding the steel sector. President Trump said the deal—alongside an investment package that exceeds the Japan agreement signed last week—would strengthen trans-Atlantic relations after years of what he described as unfair treatment of U.S. exporters. Japan's package will include up to $550 billion in equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies, to be invested at Trump's discretion, according to Tokyo. In contrast, EU officials stated that the EU's $600 billion investment figure is based on non-binding intentions from the private sector. The agreement is expected to bring regulatory clarity to European industries, including those in the automotive, aerospace, and chemical sectors. However, EU negotiators had originally pushed for a zero-for-zero tariff deal. A 15% tariff remains significantly higher than the U.S.'s average import tariff rate of 2.5% before Trump's return. More clarity, but a challenge European stocks opened higher on Monday, with the STOXX 600 reaching a four-month high. Tech and healthcare sectors led the gains. 'The 15% rate is better than the market was fearing,' said Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar. Still, many European businesses remain conflicted about the outcome. 'Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm,' said Wolfgang Große Entrup, head of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI). 'Further escalation has been avoided. Nevertheless, the price is high for both sides. European exports are losing competitiveness. U.S. customers are paying the tariffs.' A major concern remains how the EU's promise to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and sharply increase energy imports can be realized. It remains unclear whether specific investment pledges have been made, or if the details are still being finalized. While the EU has committed to $750 billion in strategic purchases over the next three years—including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and nuclear fuel—the U.S. may struggle to meet the demand. Though U.S. LNG production capacity is expected to nearly double over the next four years, analysts say it still won't be enough to meet Europe's needs. Oil production forecasts have also been revised downward. Despite the uncertainties, analysts say the deal has reduced market instability. Oil prices edged up on Monday.
Fashion Network
5 hours ago
- Fashion Network
France lashes out as EU agrees to tariff pact with Washington
France has denounced the new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States as a 'submission,' even as most EU members acknowledged the deal was unequal but necessary to avoid an economically damaging trade war with Washington. The framework agreement, announced Sunday between two economies representing nearly a third of global trade, allows the U.S. to impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods starting next month. The deal offers limited protection for key sectors, including the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. While the 15% rate is half of what Washington initially threatened, it still exceeds European expectations significantly. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to reshape global trade using tariff leverage since returning to the White House earlier this year, praised the accord during a visit to Scotland, calling it 'the biggest deal ever made.' But France, the EU's second-largest economy, was outspoken in its disapproval. 'It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission,' French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X (formerly Twitter). French President Emmanuel Macron has made no public statement on the matter. While the mood across Europe was subdued, most governments agreed that failing to reach an agreement would have triggered a far worse scenario. 'This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-oriented German economy hard,' said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country leads the EU bloc's economic rankings. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said during a press conference that allowing 30% tariffs to be imposed would have been 'much, much worse.' 'This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances,' he added. Some member states acknowledged the deal provides stability following months of trade tensions with the U.S. Sweden described it as the 'least bad alternative,' while Spain supported it 'without enthusiasm.' A final deal will likely require ratification from EU capitals. Still work to do Because trade policy falls under the European Commission's authority, French objections are unlikely to derail the framework agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalised. Many of the agreement's specifics remain unknown. EU officials said they expect clarification in a joint statement to be released by August 1. Additional negotiations will follow to turn the agreement into a full-fledged deal. Germany also called for further negotiations, particularly regarding the steel sector. President Trump said the deal—alongside an investment package that exceeds the Japan agreement signed last week—would strengthen trans-Atlantic relations after years of what he described as unfair treatment of U.S. exporters. Japan's package will include up to $550 billion in equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies, to be invested at Trump's discretion, according to Tokyo. In contrast, EU officials stated that the EU's $600 billion investment figure is based on non-binding intentions from the private sector. The agreement is expected to bring regulatory clarity to European industries, including those in the automotive, aerospace, and chemical sectors. However, EU negotiators had originally pushed for a zero-for-zero tariff deal. A 15% tariff remains significantly higher than the U.S.'s average import tariff rate of 2.5% before Trump's return. More clarity, but a challenge European stocks opened higher on Monday, with the STOXX 600 reaching a four-month high. Tech and healthcare sectors led the gains. 'The 15% rate is better than the market was fearing,' said Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar. Still, many European businesses remain conflicted about the outcome. 'Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm,' said Wolfgang Große Entrup, head of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI). 'Further escalation has been avoided. Nevertheless, the price is high for both sides. European exports are losing competitiveness. U.S. customers are paying the tariffs.' A major concern remains how the EU's promise to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and sharply increase energy imports can be realized. It remains unclear whether specific investment pledges have been made, or if the details are still being finalized. While the EU has committed to $750 billion in strategic purchases over the next three years—including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and nuclear fuel—the U.S. may struggle to meet the demand. Though U.S. LNG production capacity is expected to nearly double over the next four years, analysts say it still won't be enough to meet Europe's needs. Oil production forecasts have also been revised downward. Despite the uncertainties, analysts say the deal has reduced market instability. Oil prices edged up on Monday.
Fashion Network
5 hours ago
- Fashion Network
France lashes out as EU agrees to tariff pact with Washington
France has denounced the new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States as a 'submission,' even as most EU members acknowledged the deal was unequal but necessary to avoid an economically damaging trade war with Washington. The framework agreement, announced Sunday between two economies representing nearly a third of global trade, allows the U.S. to impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods starting next month. The deal offers limited protection for key sectors, including the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. While the 15% rate is half of what Washington initially threatened, it still exceeds European expectations significantly. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to reshape global trade using tariff leverage since returning to the White House earlier this year, praised the accord during a visit to Scotland, calling it 'the biggest deal ever made.' But France, the EU's second-largest economy, was outspoken in its disapproval. 'It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission,' French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X (formerly Twitter). French President Emmanuel Macron has made no public statement on the matter. While the mood across Europe was subdued, most governments agreed that failing to reach an agreement would have triggered a far worse scenario. 'This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-oriented German economy hard,' said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country leads the EU bloc's economic rankings. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said during a press conference that allowing 30% tariffs to be imposed would have been 'much, much worse.' 'This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances,' he added. Some member states acknowledged the deal provides stability following months of trade tensions with the U.S. Sweden described it as the 'least bad alternative,' while Spain supported it 'without enthusiasm.' A final deal will likely require ratification from EU capitals. Still work to do Because trade policy falls under the European Commission's authority, French objections are unlikely to derail the framework agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalised. Many of the agreement's specifics remain unknown. EU officials said they expect clarification in a joint statement to be released by August 1. Additional negotiations will follow to turn the agreement into a full-fledged deal. Germany also called for further negotiations, particularly regarding the steel sector. President Trump said the deal—alongside an investment package that exceeds the Japan agreement signed last week—would strengthen trans-Atlantic relations after years of what he described as unfair treatment of U.S. exporters. Japan's package will include up to $550 billion in equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies, to be invested at Trump's discretion, according to Tokyo. In contrast, EU officials stated that the EU's $600 billion investment figure is based on non-binding intentions from the private sector. The agreement is expected to bring regulatory clarity to European industries, including those in the automotive, aerospace, and chemical sectors. However, EU negotiators had originally pushed for a zero-for-zero tariff deal. A 15% tariff remains significantly higher than the U.S.'s average import tariff rate of 2.5% before Trump's return. More clarity, but a challenge European stocks opened higher on Monday, with the STOXX 600 reaching a four-month high. Tech and healthcare sectors led the gains. 'The 15% rate is better than the market was fearing,' said Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar. Still, many European businesses remain conflicted about the outcome. 'Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm,' said Wolfgang Große Entrup, head of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI). 'Further escalation has been avoided. Nevertheless, the price is high for both sides. European exports are losing competitiveness. U.S. customers are paying the tariffs.' A major concern remains how the EU's promise to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and sharply increase energy imports can be realized. It remains unclear whether specific investment pledges have been made, or if the details are still being finalized. While the EU has committed to $750 billion in strategic purchases over the next three years—including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and nuclear fuel—the U.S. may struggle to meet the demand. Though U.S. LNG production capacity is expected to nearly double over the next four years, analysts say it still won't be enough to meet Europe's needs. Oil production forecasts have also been revised downward. Despite the uncertainties, analysts say the deal has reduced market instability. Oil prices edged up on Monday.
