At least two people were killed and dozens injured when a car drove into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday. Authorities suspect the incident was a deliberate attack. The driver, a 50-year-old doctor who has lived in Germany since 2006, was arrested at the scene. Police have stated that the suspect is believed to have acted alone.
German officials confirmed that the driver had no prior criminal record, and the motive for the attack remains unclear. The two confirmed fatalities were an adult and a toddler, with 68 people reported injured, including 15 in critical condition. The chaotic scene was described by a reporter as one where emergency responders worked urgently, and victims received medical attention amidst the holiday decorations at the market.
The local hospital in Magdeburg quickly mobilized, treating 10 to 20 patients while preparing for more casualties. Emergency crews, including ambulances, police, and firefighters, flooded the area, and the scene was cordoned off for investigation.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences, stating his thoughts were with the victims and their families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attack, calling for a thorough investigation and severe punishment.
In response to the attack, New York City authorities increased security at local Christmas markets, although no specific threats were identified.
Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt with a population of around 240,000, is located west of Berlin. This incident comes eight years after the devastating attack at a Christmas market in Berlin in 2016, where 13 people were killed when a truck was driven into a crowd.
Christmas markets are a beloved tradition in Germany, attracting visitors with festive foods, drinks, and decorations. Despite the incident, the German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, had previously stated that there were no significant threats to this year’s holiday markets. Following the attack, she expressed her shock and solidarity with the victims and their families.
