Adolescent patient reportedly assaults care provider
In a shocking incident, a 13-year-old patient at a psychiatric clinic in Paderborn, Germany, is under investigation for stabbing a 24-year-old caregiver with a sharp object. The attack occurred on Saturday morning in the kitchen of the clinic, during a brief absence of a security guard.
The victim was immediately treated by emergency services at the scene and was subsequently taken to a hospital. While the victim's condition initially appeared life-threatening, it has since improved, and she is no longer in immediate danger.
The teenager, who was under continuous surveillance due to a perceived risk to others, was being treated inpatient under a detention order. According to reports, the police had warned the psychiatric facility about the risks of allowing the girl access to sharp objects, particularly in the kitchen. Despite this, the clinic decided to continue with therapy plans involving her access to the kitchen.
Following the incident, the suspect was temporarily taken into police custody. However, due to her young age, criminal proceedings such as pre-trial detention are not applicable.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities have stated there is no confirmed political or Islamist motivation, contradicting some media speculation. The investigation into the attempted homicide is being led by the homicide squad from the Bielefeld police.
In response to the incident, the psychiatric clinic has implemented strict security measures, including continuous monitoring and a police standby outside to prevent escape attempts.
As of the latest updates in late August 2025, no new information suggests a danger to the general public. The Homicide Commission is actively investigating the case, and no custodial measures are being considered due to the 13-year-old's young age.
[1] Police in Bielefeld and Paderborn report on the incident [2] The public prosecutor's office in Paderborn releases a statement [4] Additional details from the police investigation
[1] The investigation into the stabbing incident at the health-and-wellness facility in Paderborn is being spearheaded by the crime-and-justice division of the Bielefeld police.
[2] In a statement, the public prosecutor's office in Paderborn has confirmed that mental-health experts are closely examining the science behind the motivations of the 13-year-old suspect, in light of the attack on the caregiver.
[4] According to general-news reports, the police have discovered that the psychiatric clinic had been warned about the risks associated with allowing the suspect access to sharp objects, particularly in the kitchen, yet they chose to continue with their therapy plans.
