July 23, 2026, 3:46 p.mJuly 23, 2026, 3:46 p.m
The incident took place in the Milaneo shopping center in Stuttgart.Image: www.imago-images.de
A woman was attacked with a knife and set on fire in a shopping center in Stuttgart. According to investigators, the 47-year-old was critically injured in the attack.
A 54-year-old suspect was caught. “According to initial information, as part of the attack he first attacked the woman with a knife and then set her on fire,” said a police spokesman.
The 47-year-old suffered stab and burn injuries and is being treated in intensive care, officials said. The attack occurred on Thursday shortly after the shopping mall opened in the southern German city.
The victim and the alleged perpetrator knew each other
The alleged perpetrator was arrested in the Heumaden district almost two hours after the crime. A helicopter was also involved in the search for the man. “At around 12.10 p.m. our emergency services arrested a 54-year-old German. The man is or was in a relationship with the injured party,” the police spokesman said. The man is scheduled to be brought before a judge on Friday.
The first emergency calls were received by the police shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday. The large shopping center in downtown Stuttgart had only just opened its doors at that time.
On-site forensics
The investigation into the background is ongoing. The police did not comment on the exact nature of the crime. Operations at the shopping center have resumed. After the alarm was raised in the morning, the shopping center, which consisted of several buildings, was evacuated and partially sealed off. Many police and fire departments were on site. According to the information, there was no danger to the population.
Experts entered the building wearing protective suits. “Our emergency services are currently securing traces within the shopping center and evaluating camera recordings,” said a police spokesman.
The shopping center, which is around 43,000 square meters in size, has around 200 shops, restaurants and service providers. The shopping mall is located on Mailänder Platz in the European Quarter, a few minutes’ walk from Stuttgart main station. (sda/dpa)