On Friday evening, a car was driven into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Reuters reported that five people were killed and over 200 were injured, many critically. According to authorities, one man has been arrested in connection with the incident, and they believe he acted alone.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Magdeburg on Saturday. A city councillor declared, “Christmas in Magdeburg is over.” The market has been closed, and its website displayed a black screen with a mourning message.
How Did the Attack Unfold?
Unverified social media footage reportedly shows a black BMW speeding through a pedestrian walkway between Christmas stalls. Witnesses described narrowly escaping the vehicle, with some jumping out of its path, fleeing, or hiding. One witness told Reuters that police were present at the scene and pursued the vehicle before apprehending the suspect.
Verified footage showed armed police arresting a man near a damaged black BMW. BBC correspondent Damien McGuinness reported, “The market is surrounded by concrete blocks. However, there is a gap wide enough for pedestrians—and tragically, for a car—to enter the Christmas market.”
Authorities confirmed that approximately 100 police officers, medics, firefighters, and 50 rescue personnel responded to the scene. Images captured on Friday night showed an area lit by blue emergency lights as first responders tended to the injured.
Who Are the Victims?
Five people lost their lives in the attack, including one child. More than 200 individuals sustained injuries, with at least 41 in critical condition. Initially, reports stated two fatalities and 68 injuries, but these numbers were revised on Saturday morning. The victims have not yet been publicly identified.
Tributes, including flowers, candles, and teddy bears, have been left at a nearby church to honor the victims.
Who Is the Suspect?
The suspect has been identified by German media as Taleb A, a psychiatrist residing in Bernburg, approximately 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg. Authorities believe he acted alone, though his motive remains unclear.
Taleb A reportedly arrived in Germany in 2006 from Saudi Arabia and was granted refugee status in 2016. He maintained a website aimed at assisting former Muslims facing persecution in Gulf countries. According to social media posts, the suspect is critical of Islam and has promoted conspiracy theories alleging a plot for Islamic dominance in Europe.
A Der Spiegel report revealed that a complaint had been filed against Taleb A a year ago regarding his statements. However, officials reportedly did not identify any tangible threat at the time.
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What Have Officials Said?
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on social media platform X, stating, “The reports from Magdeburg raise the worst fears.”
Magdeburg’s public order councillor, Ronni Krug, announced the closure of the Christmas market, declaring, “Christmas in Magdeburg is over,” according to German broadcaster MDR.
The Saudi government issued a statement expressing “solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims” and “affirming its rejection of violence.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also reacted, saying he was “horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg” and expressed condolences to “the victims, their families, and all those affected.”