Magdeburg, Germany – A suspected terror attack at a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening has left at least 11 people dead and 70 injured, with 15 in serious condition, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred when a dark BMW plowed through the bustling market, traveling over 400 meters and causing chaos during one of the year’s most festive events.
The driver, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian male, was arrested at the scene. German news outlet BILD reports that the suspect was employed as a doctor at the Magdeburg Clinic.
While not previously known to German authorities as an Islamic extremist, police now believe an explosive device was found in his car, heightening concerns about the motive behind the act.
Authorities Suspect Deliberate Act
Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif stated they believe the incident was intentional. Reif described the scene as “terrible,” with debris scattered across the area and a cordoned-off section of the market.
The attack took place around 7 p.m., a peak time for holiday shoppers. Sirens of emergency responders pierced the festive atmosphere, and Magdeburg’s University Hospital reported treating between 10 and 20 patients while preparing for more.
“This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas,” said Saxony-Anhalt Governor Reiner Haseloff, who rushed to the scene but could not immediately provide details about the victims.
National and International Reactions
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. We stand beside them and beside the people of Magdeburg.” However, his statement sparked controversy, with Elon Musk calling for Scholz’s resignation.
The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack, where an Islamic extremist killed 13 people using a truck. The Berlin attack remains a painful memory for Germans, and Friday’s events have revived fears of similar threats during the festive season.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had assured the public last month that there were no concrete threats to Christmas markets this year but emphasized the importance of vigilance.
Germany’s Christmas Markets: A Beloved Tradition Under Threat
Christmas markets are an integral part of German culture, cherished for their festive atmosphere, traditional crafts, and culinary delights. The Magdeburg market is among the numerous markets across the country that draw millions of visitors annually.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the lives lost in this devastating incident. Security measures at Christmas markets are expected to be reviewed and heightened in the coming days.
This attack underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring public safety while preserving the cherished traditions that define Germany’s holiday season.
