A car drove into pedestrians in the German city of Leipzig on Monday, killing a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man and seriously injuring three other people, according to authorities.
Saxony Interior Minister Armin Schuster said at a press statement in the city on Monday evening that the suspect was a 33-year-old German citizen who lived in Leipzig. Although the investigation was still ongoing, there was a high probability that the attack had been a rampage carried out by a lone perpetrator, he said. There was no longer any danger to the public.
The total number of injured has not yet been conclusively established. Prosecutors are investigating two counts of murder and at least two counts of attempted murder.
The perpetrator’s motive remains unclear. Investigators have so far seen no evidence of a political or religious motive. The assessment of the attack as a rampage was also expressly confirmed by senior public prosecutor Claudia Laube. Further questions remain, however.
Suspect Said to Be a Boxing Coach
According to several media reports, the suspect is said to be Jeffrey K. The German magazine Focus Online, citing Saxon security sources, reported that the driver had been a boxing coach and building technician. He is said to have worked for several years as a youth coach at a boxing club in Leipzig. The man was arrested on Monday 4 May 2026, immediately after driving through the city center. He is expected to be brought before a judge on Tuesday.
According to police, the man apparently drove into the pedestrian zone at Augustusplatz at around 4:45 p.m. without obstruction, as there were no bollards or other security measures preventing access. As he drove through the area, he hit several people. Several media outlets have reported that up to 80 people may have been affected. Witnesses reportedly estimated his speed at 70 to 80 km/h. Police said he offered no resistance when arrested after the attack.
So far, little about the man himself has been officially confirmed.
Suspect Known to Police
According to the German Press Agency, the man was already known to police, although not for relevant offenses. The attack is said to have been preceded by a relationship dispute. According to the portal NIUS, the man had repeatedly shown signs of mental instability. There are also said to have been several incidents of domestic violence. Bild reported that K. was married and had one child.
The suspect is said to have been in psychiatric treatment until shortly before the attack. As several German media outlets have reported, the man had only been released from a psychiatric facility the previous Sunday. Authorities have not publicly explained what they already knew about K. or why he had been admitted to the facility.
The suspect’s personal background, possible triggers and condition at the time of the attack remain under investigation. Officials in Saxony continue to give no motive and expressly warn against speculation. According to the current state of the investigation, there is still no reliable evidence of accomplices, an organized attack or a religious or ideological background.
The evaluation of forensic evidence, witness statements and possible digital evidence is now seen as crucial. Police in Leipzig have set up an information portal and are asking witnesses for information about the driver, the vehicle and the exact sequence of events. They are particularly seeking videos and photos from the time of the attack, as well as observations about the vehicle and driver.
Churches Offer Memorial Services
Saxony Minister President Michael Kretschmer announced that the rule of law would act with full force. The city of Leipzig has already said it intends to review its security concept and access routes to the city center. The fact that a driver on a rampage was able to enter a pedestrian zone without obstruction raises more than one question. In most German cities, access routes to squares and city centers have been secured with barriers after repeated vehicle attacks such as those in Berlin, Magdeburg and Munich.
The church is offering help and comfort to people in the city. On Tuesday, those who wish to mourn will be able to commemorate the victims at St Nicholas Church and St Thomas Church. Both churches will provide space for mourning, conversation and pastoral care, and will remain open throughout the day.