MAGDEBURG, Germany — A car crashed into a crowded outdoor Christmas market in Magdeburg, a city in eastern Germany, on Friday evening, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and leaving over 60 others injured in what has been described as a deliberate assault. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. as shoppers were enjoying the festive atmosphere, eagerly preparing for the holidays.
The driver was quickly apprehended at the scene shortly after the vehicle veered into the market, with bystander footage showing police officers arresting him on a walkway while another officer pointed a gun at him. Authorities are reporting that the fatalities include an adult and a young child, and they indicate that the number of casualties could rise, as 15 individuals have sustained serious injuries.
The violence has left the city in shock, with Mayor Simone Borris visibly distressed, which has overshadowed an event central to a long-standing German tradition. In response to the attack, several towns across Germany have opted to cancel their own Christmas markets this weekend as a precautionary measure and in solidarity with Magdeburg.
The suspect, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who immigrated to Germany in 2006, practiced medicine in Bernburg, approximately 25 miles south of Magdeburg. State Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang confirmed the details during a news conference, stating that, as of now, he appears to be acting alone and that there is no immediate threat to the community. “Every human life lost in this attack is a profound tragedy and one too many,” stated Reiner Haseloff, the governor of Saxony-Anhalt, in comments to the media.
Magdeburg has a population of roughly 240,000 and serves as the capital of Saxony-Anhalt. This tragic event echoes a previous attack eight years ago when an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a bustling Christmas market in Berlin, resulting in 13 deaths and numerous injuries. The perpetrator in that case was killed shortly afterward during a gunfight in Italy.
Christmas markets hold a significant place in German culture, with such festive gatherings dating back to the Middle Ages and now beloved worldwide. In Berlin alone, over 100 markets have opened this year, offering the traditional delights of mulled wine, roasted almonds, and bratwurst throughout the city.
Despite the lack of specific threats reported regarding Christmas markets this year, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stressed the importance of remaining vigilant. The eerie sound of sirens penetrated the festive ambiance of the market shortly after the attack, with local resident Dorin Steffen recalling that the intensity of the sirens hinted at something grave occurring. She lamented the assault, calling it “a dark day” for the town.
The ramifications of this attack have been felt nationally, with Governor Haseloff deeming it a catastrophe not only for Magdeburg but also for the state and the country. He announced that flags across Saxony-Anhalt would fly at half-staff, a gesture that the federal government plans to mirror. “This is truly one of the most horrifying things imaginable, especially in the context of what a Christmas market represents,” he remarked.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed that the assault disrupted the expected peace of the Christmas season, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared his condolences on social media, stating, “I stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, as well as the people of Magdeburg.” Condolences also poured in from several international leaders, including NATO’s secretary-general and U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance, who expressed shock at the timing of the attack just before Christmas.
In a show of respect, Mayor Borris announced plans for a memorial service at the city’s cathedral on Saturday. Furthermore, during a soccer game between Bayern Munich and Leipzig on Friday night, Bayern’s CEO invited fans to observe a moment of silence, further expressing grief in the wake of this tragic event.