Prosecutors in Hamburg have confirmed that a Sudanese migrant, who fatally dragged a teenage girl in front of an oncoming train, had been consuming beer on the platform moments before the horrific attack. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of both individuals, occurred at the Wandsbek Markt subway station on the evening of January 29.
Details of the Fatal Subway Station Attack
Ariop A., aged 25, randomly selected his victim, 18-year-old Iranian national Fatimeh Z., before grabbing her and pulling her onto the tracks without any warning. According to witness accounts reported by Nonstopnews, the suspect had been observed walking up and down the platform and appeared to be intoxicated. One witness stated that he stumbled towards the young woman, told her, 'I'll take you with me,' and then dragged her onto the tracks. Both were struck by the train and pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors Confirm Alcohol Consumption Before Incident
Melina Traumann, a spokeswoman for the Hamburg public prosecutor's office, provided details to BILD, indicating that the attack took place at approximately 10:05 p.m. She noted that the suspect had been on the platform since around 9:55 p.m., where he was reportedly drinking beer while seated on a bench. This confirmation underscores the role of alcohol in the lead-up to the tragic event.
Tragically, local media reports reveal that Fatimeh Z. had fled domestic violence and was residing at a women's shelter prior to her untimely death. Her background adds a layer of sorrow to the already devastating crime.
Suspect's Extensive History of Violent Offences
German media investigations have uncovered a disturbing pattern of violent behaviour by Ariop A. in the weeks preceding the subway attack. Just two days before the incident, he was involved in an altercation at a brothel known as the 'Paradise Point of Sex.' After being asked to leave at closing time, he assaulted a staff member and then attacked a police officer with a mobile phone, resulting in a head injury. Witnesses noted he appeared under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time.
Despite being taken to hospital in a 'state of emergency,' he was discharged without being taken into custody. Earlier, on January 15, he was involved in a mutual assault during an argument with other residents at his refugee accommodation. Footage emerged showing him throwing a punch during this scuffle.
Previous Incidents and Legal Proceedings
Further incidents include an alleged assault on January 5, where he is accused of kicking his roommate's door, damaging property, and hitting his roommate on the arm. In 2025, after being evicted from his former accommodation, he refused to leave the grounds, leading to a criminal complaint for trespassing. Police attempted to escort him out, but he resisted, resulting in proceedings for trespassing and resisting arrest, though the case was discontinued in January 2026.
Ten days later, Ariop was seriously injured in a fight, but no criminal complaint was filed by the alleged victim. Despite this series of violent incidents and legal encounters, he remained free, ultimately culminating in the fatal attack at the Wandsbek Markt subway station.
The case has raised questions about monitoring and intervention for individuals with a history of violence, as the suspect's actions escalated without sufficient preventive measures. Emergency services rushed to the scene following the incident, but their efforts were in vain as both lives were lost. The community in Hamburg continues to grapple with the shock and aftermath of this random and brutal crime.
