A festive evening in Magdeburg, Germany, turned into a nightmare on Friday when a car barreled into a bustling Christmas market, killing at least two people, including a toddler and injuring over 60 others. The deliberate attack sent shockwaves across the nation and cast a pall over the holiday season.
The horrifying incident occurred around 7 pm, as holiday shoppers filled the market in anticipation of the weekend. The driver, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who had been living in Germany since 2006, was arrested at the scene. Verified footage showed police detaining the suspect at gunpoint on a walkway near the market. Authorities confirmed he acted alone and no further threat to the city exists.
Among the 15 seriously injured, officials fear the death toll could rise. The tragic loss of life has left Magdeburg, a city of 2,40,000 and the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, reeling. Mayor Simone Borris was visibly emotional as she addressed the media, calling the attack a profound tragedy for the community.
The incident evoked painful memories of the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack, where an Islamic extremist killed 13 people. While the motive behind Friday’s attack remains unclear, it has reignited concerns about safety at Germany’s cherished Christmas markets.
“These markets are symbols of joy and unity during the holiday season, and to see such violence unfold is heart-wrenching,” said Saxony-Anhalt Governor Reiner Haseloff. Flags across the state were ordered to half-staff in mourning.
Magdeburg’s tragedy also prompted other German towns to cancel weekend markets as a precaution and in solidarity. Residents and officials alike expressed their grief and anger over the disruption of a centuries-old tradition meant to bring light and warmth during winter.
“We are shaking,” said Dorin Steffen, a local resident. “This is a dark day for Magdeburg, and our hearts are with the victims and their families.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier echoed these sentiments, lamenting how the attack had shattered the anticipation of a peaceful Christmas. “This is one of the worst things imaginable,” he said, calling for resilience and unity as the country mourns.