Chaos unfolded at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Eastern Germany, after a vehicle plowed into a crowd on Friday, injuring between 60 and 80 people in what is suspected to be a terrorist attack. Local rescue services have reported that several of the injured are in critical condition, and at least two fatalities have been confirmed, including a child, according to German broadcaster MDR.
The suspect, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006, was detained at the scene. Local media outlet BILD reported that the car drove approximately 400 meters through the market, though this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
In response to the incident, police announced via social media platform X that the Magdeburg Christmas market has been closed, and extensive security operations are underway. “Further reports will be made,” stated the local police force.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences, posting on X, “The reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad has happened. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and the side of the people of Magdeburg.”
The attack has drawn parallels to previous incidents in Germany, including the 2016 Berlin Christmas market tragedy, where a truck driven by an attacker killed 12 and injured dozens. Though German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had previously assured citizens of heightened security, the Magdeburg incident underscores the need for vigilance during the festive season.