German authorities apprehended a man following a deadly vehicle ramming incident at a Christmas market, where a car plowed through a crowd of festive revelers at high speed, resulting in a scene of bloody chaos.
Rescue services in the eastern city of Magdeburg, approximately 130 km southwest of Berlin, reported that at least two individuals lost their lives, and over 60 sustained injuries.
The suspect, who remains unnamed, has been residing in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to regional premier Reiner Haseloff, who spoke at the cordoned-off scene secured by police commandos.
“We have detained the individual responsible, a man who has been living in Germany since 2006,” he informed reporters, describing the incident as a “catastrophe” for both the city and the nation.
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Authorities indicated that the vehicle traveled “at least 400 meters across the Christmas market,” leaving behind a bloody scene at the city’s central town hall square.
Ambulances and fire trucks quickly arrived at the chaotic scene, illuminated by blue emergency lights and filled with the sound of sirens, as severely injured individuals were treated on the ground or rushed to hospitals.
Screams and cries echoed as roughly 100 police officers, medics, and firefighters attended to the litter-strewn market adorned with Christmas trees and festive lights.
“The images are horrific,” commented city spokesman Michael Reif.
Mr. Haseloff mentioned that the suspect had driven a rented vehicle with Munich license plates into the Christmas market.
The Magdeburg city administration shared on Facebook that 15 individuals were critically injured, with 37 suffering serious injuries and 16 experiencing minor injuries.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concern on X, stating, “The reports from Magdeburg evoke the worst fears.”
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with them and support the people of Magdeburg. I extend my gratitude to the dedicated rescue workers during these distressing hours,” Mr. Scholz added.
According to the state premier, Mr. Scholz is expected to visit the city tomorrow.
Series of attacks
The devastating incident brought to mind a 2016 jihadist assault in which a Tunisian man drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people—Germany’s deadliest attack of that nature.
A 13th victim later succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser recently urged vigilance at Christmas markets, although she noted that authorities had not received specific threats.
The domestic security agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, had previously warned that Christmas markets are considered an “ideologically suitable target for Islamist-motivated individuals.”
Germany has witnessed several suspected Islamist-motivated knife attacks recently.
Live updates on the German Christmas market ‘attack’
In August, three people were killed, and eight were injured in a stabbing spree at a street festival in the western city of Solingen.
A Syrian suspect was arrested in connection with the attack, which was claimed by IS.
In June, a policeman was fatally stabbed in Mannheim, with an Afghan national identified as the primary suspect.
Rescuers embrace beside the Christmas market
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier remarked that “the anticipation of a peaceful Christmas was abruptly shattered,” but he cautioned that “the motives behind this dreadful act are still unclear.”
The leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alice Weidel, known for emphasizing jihadist attacks in her anti-immigrant campaign, questioned on X, “When will this madness end?”
Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the situation as “shocking and despicable.”
“Thinking of and praying for the victims and their families and all those involved in responding to the situation,” Mr. Harris posted on X.
A shocking & despicable situation in Magdeburg in Germany. Thinking of and praying for the victims and their families and all those involved in responding to the situation. Families and friends spending time today this Christmas season at markets when this brutal act took place
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 20, 2024
Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin expressed that he is “shocked and appalled” by the loss of life in Magdeburg and urged Irish citizens in the vicinity to heed local authorities’ advice.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, emergency services, and the German people,” he stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed that he was “profoundly shocked” by the attack and that he “shares the pain of the German people.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed being “deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd,” adding: “Violence must have no place in our democracies.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his “shock” at the “terrible attack.”
