Germany news: Leipzig ramming suspect to appear in court

What you need to know

• A 33-year-old German man is set to appear in court as the suspect in a deadly car ramming in Leipzig
• Authorities say they are treating it as a deliberate rampage but not politically or religiously motivated
• German companies have been hit by the fallout from the Iran war, with the sharpest downturn among firms those operating in the Gulf region
• Only 21% of firms expect improvement over the next 12 months, while 32% foresee a decline

Here is a roundup of stories from and about Germany on Tuesday, May 5, 2026:

Leipzig car ramming suspect to face judge

A suspect in a deadly car ramming in Leipzig is set to appear before a judge, as prosecutors move swiftly to formalize charges.

Authorities said the 33-year-old German man surrendered without resistance after the attack and is expected to be brought before a magistrate, who will decide on pre-trial detention.

Two people — a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man — were killed, and at least three others seriously injured when the driver plowed through a central pedestrian area. Officials have described the incident as a deliberate rampage but say there is no indication of a political or religious motive.

The suspect was previously known to police but not for relevant offenses, according to reports. He was detained inside the vehicle shortly after the incident.

Prosecutors are likely to pursue charges including murder and attempted murder, as investigators continue to examine the suspect’s background and mental state.

Leipzig's chief public prosecutor Claudia Laube reaffirmed that authorities assume a rampage. There are no indications of "another interpretation" and no signs of additional perpetrators.

Saxony state premier Michael Kretschmer expressed deep shock and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. "Such an act leaves us speechless — and it makes us determined. We will do everything to clarify it quickly and fully. The rule of law will act with full consequence," Kretschmer said.

Welcome to our coverage

Guten Tag from the DW newsroom in Bonn.

You join us in the aftermath of a deadly car ramming in the eastern city of Leipzig that left two people dead and at least three seriously injured.

The suspect is set to face a judge later on Tuesday. Prosecutors say he appeared to have acted alone and apparently had no political motive. 

Stick with us to find out more about this and more of the news coming out of Germany today.