German authorities were investigating the motive behind an incident on Friday evening when a driver crashed an SUV into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, resulting in at least five fatalities and over 200 injuries.
Memorials were held on Saturday, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz visiting the attack site. This incident occurred as many Germans began the holiday season amidst economic concerns and political instability.
Magdeburg police reported that 41 individuals sustained severe injuries. Authorities believe the attack was intentional and confirmed that the driver acted alone.
The driver, a 50-year-old male citizen of Saudi Arabia who had been living in Germany for decades, was arrested hours after the incident. He was found lying on the ground by police, who were armed and ordered him not to move.
Searches were conducted at the driver’s residence, located 25 miles south of Magdeburg, where he worked as a psychotherapist. He had lived in Germany since 2006, and his identity has not been disclosed.
Reports indicated that the driver had a notable social media presence, which included postings critical of Germany's handling of radical Islam. He reportedly supported the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party and shared concerns regarding the imposition of Islamic law in Germany.
This incident recalls a similar attack in 2016 when an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, leading to heightened security measures at public events, including the installation of bollards, security cameras, and increased police presence.
This year, knives were prohibited at holiday markets nationwide after a street festival attack in August. In Magdeburg, concrete blocks were strategically placed at the market entrance; however, the driver exploited a gap to enter the crowd.
Andreas Rosskopf, head of the federal police union, acknowledged the challenges of ensuring complete safety at such events.
In response to the attack, cities across Germany increased police patrols at Christmas markets. Specific measures included banning larger bags in Cologne and setting up additional barriers in Leipzig.
Governor Reiner Haseloff of Saxony-Anhalt expressed the need for discussions about security but emphasized that the focus should be on mourning for the victims at this time. He highlighted the importance of ensuring public confidence in safety during such events.
Magdeburg, with a population of approximately 240,000, was formerly part of East Germany. The city's Christmas market is traditionally held in front of City Hall. On Saturday, locals laid flowers at a memorial near St. John's Church, demonstrating their grief.
As people visited the memorial, many expressed their sorrow and nostalgia for the market, including Marko Heyer, who reminisced about the market's charm and its significance to the community.
Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence of events, showing the SUV speeding into the crowd and subsequently making a right turn onto another busy street. Eyewitness accounts described the chaos and confusion as the vehicle struck the celebratory gathering.