Two intertwined hearts on a bright memorial plaque on the platform in Brokstedt remember Ann-Marie (†17) and Danny (†19).
A young love, brutally torn from her life a year ago. Murdered by the stateless Palestinian Ibrahim A. (34), who randomly stabbed her with a knife on the “RE70” regional train on January 25, 2023.
This memorial plaque stands at Brokstedt’s train station for Ann-Marie (†17) and Danny (†19)
Relatives, friends, community members and politicians came together in Brokstedt for a moving memorial service for the victims.
Among them: Prime Minister Daniel Günther (50, CDU), who fought back tears alongside Ann-Marie’s father Michael Kyrath.
Ann-Marie’s father Michael Kyrath (center) is hugged by Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, while Prime Minister Daniel Günther mourns nearby
Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack (65, CDU) was also there. They laid a wreath on the platform. It was moving how she grabbed Kyrath on the platform to mourn together.
Ann-Marie K. (17) was murdered on the train
Before a church service, Kyrath thanked rescuers and Schleswig-Holstein’s politicians and described his pain: “Twelve months have passed in which we had to fight hard. Every single day presented us with the challenge of finding perspectives and moving on. And to look positively into the future. Not a day went by when we didn’t think about the other victims.”
Murdered: Danny P. (19) was an HSV fan and played football enthusiastically
Ibrahim A. seriously injured four other people, and a woman took her own life following the crime.
Wreaths were laid on the platform in Brokstedt
Günther, who appeared shaken: “The terrible day will be burned into our collective memory. Our thoughts are with the families. There is also solidarity these days. This comforts and gives hope for the future. We still have to ask ourselves questions. How could such an act happen? How is the cooperation between authorities? How do we deal with conspicuous asylum seekers? Consequences have already been drawn. But let’s be honest: we’re not finished yet.”
A. had been in Germany since 2014, had several previous convictions and was known to be a violent criminal, and had already seriously injured a homeless man with a knife. He had only been released from custody at the Billwerder prison six days before his rampage. There he had visited the prison psychiatrist 16 times. And yet he was released.
Ibrahim A. (34) is brought to trial by judicial officers at the Itzehoe Regional Court
The Horror Protocol from January 25, 2023
▶︎ Ibrahim A. gets on the train to Hamburg at Kiel Central Station in the afternoon. At Brokstedt’s house he suddenly pulls out a knife and suddenly stabs the passengers.
▶︎ Any help comes too late for Annemarie and Danny. Ibrahim A. is arrested on the platform. He becomes current The trial took place at the Itzehoe regional court.
January 25, 2023: Detectives secure traces on the train platform in Brokstedt in the evening
Brokstedt’s mayor Clemens Preine (64) also commented at the memorial service.
Today it is clear that a lack of agreement between authorities facilitated the crime, he accuses. “Increased police presence and checks at train stations, video surveillance and a draft law to improve the return of delinquent migrants are the first consequences of this act, others must follow.”
Kyrath thanked the rescue workers, saying they had “done a superhuman job”. He couldn’t resist taking a swipe at Hamburg’s politicians: “The Prime Minister and the Interior Minister were there and supported us as a family in every way. Many colleagues in other federal states should follow this example.”
Politicians from the Hanseatic city are likely to feel addressed, as mistakes have also been made in the authorities there.