U.S. Citizen Seriously Injured in Dresden Tram Attack

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A 21-year-old American was seriously injured in a knife attack aboard a tram in Dresden, Germany, shortly after midnight on Sunday, German police reported. The victim intervened when two men allegedly harassed female passengers.

The attack occurred on tram line 7 near the Goldener Reiter stop in Dresden’s city center at approximately 12:25 a.m. local time. According to German daily Bild, one of the suspects used a knife against the American, causing multiple facial injuries.

Dresden police said they are seeking witnesses to the incident. Authorities confirmed that the two men initially harassed women on the tram before the American intervened, prompting the violent attack.

One suspect, identified as a 21-year-old Syrian national, fled the scene on an electric scooter but was apprehended about half a mile away. Police temporarily detained him, but he was later released by order of the public prosecutor’s office. Dresden police spokesman Thomas Geithner told Bild that the reason for the release has not been clarified. The suspect reportedly has a criminal record that includes offenses such as dangerous bodily harm and robbery.

The second suspect, believed to have inflicted the knife wounds, remains at large. The weapon has not been recovered. Authorities are reviewing tram surveillance footage and calling on passengers who witnessed the attack to come forward.

The incident comes amid growing concern in Germany over knife-related violence. According to an analysis published by The European Conservative, citing official police data, knife attacks in Germany increased by 17% during the first half of 2025. Last year, following two knife attacks linked to migrants, German authorities implemented stricter border controls.

Photos shared by Bild from the scene show blood on the tram floor and tissues used by bystanders attempting to stop the bleeding. Police confirmed that both suspects are under investigation for grievous bodily harm.

The U.S. State Department has been contacted for comment, as has the Dresden Police Department.

The attack highlights ongoing public safety concerns in German cities, particularly regarding violent incidents on public transportation. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of eyewitness accounts in assisting investigations and ensuring accountability.