Germany has seen another case of a “rampage” attack involving a vehicle, this time in Leipzig. A German driver drove into a crowd of people in broad daylight, killing two elderly citizens and leaving dozens more injured, two seriously.
According to a police spokesperson, the suspected perpetrator was still in the car when the police arrived. He surrendered voluntarily and is now in custody. Police have not yet confirmed any motive for the attack but numerous media reports described as “psychotic episode” that may have been driven over a relationship dispute with his girlfriend.
Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) spoke at a press conference that evening, calling the attack a “horrific rampage” but assuring residents that the streets were now safe. “There is no longer any danger,” he said, adding that his thoughts are with the victims and their families. A crisis intervention team offered assistance to those affected.
According to Leipzig Fire Chief Axel Schuh, there were “20 people affected,” while Senior Public Prosecutor Laube spoke of people “fighting for their lives in hospitals.”
NEW: 🇩🇪 Authorities confirm a total of 20 people were injured in today's car-ramming in downtown Leipzig, including two people confirmed dead.
"A suspect was arrested by police. We do not have any further details about him." pic.twitter.com/Y9SyFpOWMb
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) May 4, 2026According to initial reports, the perpetrator drove from the direction of Augustusplatz along Grimmaische Straße, a shopping street, to the market at around 4:45 p.m. Images showed a gray car with a damaged hood and shattered windshield in front of a bollard. According to the “Bild” newspaper, the driver was traveling at high speed.
“I was in a shop when I heard a loud noise. Someone had just sped through here,” an eyewitness told the “Leipziger Volkszeitung.”
Shortly after the attack, flashing blue lights were visible everywhere in Leipzig’s market square, and numerous emergency personnel were on the scene. A screen was erected to block the view. A cloth was visible in front of the perpetrator’s car. It presumably covered one of the bodies.
According to Leipzig Police Chief René Demmler, there were “two serious collisions” resulting in the deaths of two pedestrians, a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man. “Emergency services have declared a mass casualty incident, and police are on the scene with a large number of officers,” police stated.
In addition to Jung, Interior Minister Armin Schuster also expressly thanked the people who had provided quick and considerate assistance on site. He said that level-headed passersby had offered swift help, provided water, and reacted in an exemplary manner.
Sources informed Welt that the suspect is Jeffrey K., a 33-year-old German citizen, resident of Leipzig, and local boxing trainer. A video allegedly showing the moment of his arrest circulating online and supposed photos appear to show that he is of German ethnicity, although police have not authenticated any footage nor verified his identity.
Police have also warned against jumping to conclusions regarding any footage or photos posted online without any official verification from authorities.
According to people who spoke with Nius outlet, they indicated that Jeffrey K. “was said to have been psychologically abnormal time and time again. There are said to have been several instances of domestic violence.” He is reportedly a building technician and has one child.
Although there are claims circulating online that he was an Alternative for Germany (AfD) supporter, there is no evidence to back this claim at all. The police have so far said there is no indication this was a political or religious crime.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel also offered her condolences to the victims on X.
Bei einer Amokfahrt in der Leipziger Innenstadt sind gestern 2 Menschen getötet und mehrere weitere zum Teil schwer verletzt worden. Eine furchtbare und sinnlose Tat, die fassungslos macht. Ich wünsche den Angehörigen der Opfer viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit und den…
— Alice Weidel (@Alice_Weidel) May 5, 2026Jeffrey K. is reportedly known to police, albeit not for crimes such as the one he is now charged with, reports the German Press Agency (dpa).
The police have indicated that he was in a state of mental distress at the time of his arrest, and appears to be a “domestic violence incident.” Again, there has been no official confirmation of this yet.
“We are proceeding on the assumption that this was a deliberate act of sabotage,” said Chief Public Prosecutor Claudia Laube at a press conference. There is currently “absolutely no evidence to suggest any other interpretation, and there is no indication of any other person involved.”
A police spokesperson stated that the driver is being investigated for two counts of murder and at least two counts of attempted murder.
Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer wrote about the rampage on the online service X: “This deeply shocks me. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I wish the injured strength and a speedy recovery. Such an act leaves us speechless – and it makes us determined. The rule of law will be enforced with all due rigor. Now it is about being there for one another. Saxony stands together.”
People can commemorate the victims at St. Nicholas Church and St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. An ecumenical memorial service is planned for 5 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Nicholas Church. Both churches will also offer space for mourning, conversation, pastoral care, and lighting candles. They will be open all day.
