Student in Critical Condition After Knife Attack at Westfalenkolleg in Paderborn

A serious incident occurred at the Westfalenkolleg in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, after a student was critically injured in a knife attack on campus. Local law enforcement confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended in connection with the event.

According to initial police reports, the attack took place in the school's gymnasium shortly after midday. A female student, 27 years old and residing in Blomberg, was assaulted by a male individual wielding a knife. The suspect fled the premises immediately after the incident, prompting the authorities to issue an emergency alert and deploy significant police resources to the scene.

The injured student underwent emergency surgery and, while her condition stabilized post-operation, she remains in a medically induced coma with her life still at risk. Authorities have classified her injuries as life-threatening, and her medical situation continues to be closely monitored.

Following the attack, law enforcement launched a wide-ranging manhunt. During the ensuing search, the suspect, a 25-year-old male student at the same educational institution and holding German citizenship, contacted the police and was detained near Padersee, roughly one kilometer from the school. The weapon used in the incident was subsequently recovered by investigators.

The detained individual was presented to a magistrate and is currently being held in custody under suspicion of attempted manslaughter and aggravated assault. Investigators have stated that the suspect has not yet provided a statement regarding the motive behind the attack. At this stage, police have not identified any personal connection between the suspect and the victim based on ongoing investigations. The authorities are treating the event as an attempted homicide, and a dedicated homicide unit has been assigned to the case.

In the aftermath of the incident, specialist police units thoroughly searched the school to ensure the safety of students and staff and to confirm that there were no additional victims. After extensive checks, police confirmed that no further injuries had been reported. Several roads around the educational facility were temporarily closed, and a large police presence was maintained throughout the afternoon to secure the area.

Support services were provided on-site for both students and teachers, many of whom are adults attending the adult education institution. According to school information, the Westfalenkolleg offers opportunities for individuals to obtain the Abitur and the Fachhochschulreife, with approximately 350 students and 40 teachers affiliated with the facility.

Authorities have established an online portal for witnesses to submit relevant photos and videos that may assist in the ongoing investigation. The motive for the attack remains undetermined, and law enforcement continues to appeal to the public for any information that could clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.