At least two people have been killed and more than 50 others injured after a car plowed through a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on Friday. The suspected driver, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor who has lived in Germany since 2006, has been detained. Authorities confirmed he was not previously known to have extremist beliefs, and the exact motive behind the attack remains unconfirmed.
Reiner Haseloff, Governor of Saxony-Anhalt, said the suspect acted alone and assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. However, officials warned that the death toll could rise due to the critical condition of some of the injured. Video footage shared on social media showed the car speeding through the market, hitting crowds of shoppers as people frantically tried to escape. Witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as the vehicle traveled approximately 400 meters through the market area.
🇩🇪 #Germany: At least 11 people have been killed with 50+ wounded after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The driver of the car was a 50 year-old man from #SaudiArabia, and was not previously known by German authorities to have extremist beliefs. The exact… pic.twitter.com/9ZTDTxjBHr
— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) December 20, 2024
Emergency services responded quickly, with reports of more than 50 injuries, including several critical cases. There are varying reports from German media, with some stating a death count as high as 11, with children among the victims. The Christmas market was immediately shut down, and local police urged residents to avoid the area as investigations continue.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed condolences, saying, “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and thank the rescue workers for their efforts.” Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck called the incident “terrible news.”
The attack echoes a similar tragedy in 2016 when a truck was driven into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more.
The White House is closely monitoring the situation and has offered support to German officials, extending condolences to the victims and their families. In response, New York City police have increased security at holiday markets as a precaution, though no specific local threats have been identified.
