A large-scale police operation unfolded at Winterthur railway station on Thursday morning, where an attacker stabbed several men while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” Both the Winterthur city police and the Zurich cantonal police were deployed at the scene. Zurich security director describes the act as an «act of terrorism».
What Happened
At least ten police vehicles were stationed at Winterthur station on Thursday morning. An area of roughly 100 meters, including a new underpass, was sealed off with police tape. According to an eyewitness, a man shouted “Allahu Akbar” and attacked several people with a knife.
Multiple news scouts witnessed the scene. Alongside officers from the Winterthur city police and the Zurich cantonal police, emergency medical services were also present.
Roughly 100 Meters Cordoned Off
One news scout reported that an area of approximately 100 meters had been sealed off with police tape. Another reader told 20 Minuten that the new underpass had been closed off around 8:45 a.m., adding that at least ten police vehicles were on site.
As an eyewitness recounted to the Tages-Anzeiger, a middle-aged man allegedly stabbed four men with a knife while screaming “Allahu Akbar” (God is greater). A school class was reportedly nearby, and the teacher placed herself protectively in front of her pupils.
The Attacker
The suspected attacker is Nesip Dedeler, a 31-year-old Swiss national. He was born in Switzerland and naturalized in 2009. His family is from Turkey, where he may have been for the last two years.
A few days ago he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. On Wednesday he left the clinic on his own. A doctor had previously judged him to be harmless.
The man had already been reported for violations of the IS ban in 2015. He had spread IS propaganda.
In 2018 he was reported for brawling.
“The perpetrator was arrested by police,” spokesman Roger Bonetti told 20 Minuten. Three people were taken to hospital with injuries, one seriously and the other two moderately hurt. The motive remains the subject of ongoing investigations.
