Magdeburg attack: Driver smashes car into crowd at German Christmas market
The event is expected to create additional turmoil in German politics as the country approaches an important snap election scheduled for February 23. | Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images
December 20, 2024, 9:22 PM Central European Time
On Friday evening, a driver crashed a vehicle into a large group of people at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, a city located in eastern Germany.
Reports indicate that the driver is a 1974-born man from Saudi Arabia, as stated by WELT, which is part of the Axel Springer group alongside POLITICO. The German news source mentions that he rented a vehicle to navigate through a bustling market filled with festive crowds.
The prime minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, who is a member of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), stated that at least two individuals, including a young child, have lost their lives. According to the news agency AFP, the local rescue service reported that between 60 and 80 people sustained injuries.
Officials think the driver acted independently, according to Haseloff, who noted that the man arrived in Germany in 2006 and has been practicing as a physician.
Officials have not dismissed the possibility that a bag discovered on the passenger seat might hold an explosive device, according to a report from WELT.
Authorities are looking into whether the driver, now in custody, acted independently. The police in Magdeburg closed down the market due to “significant police activity” in the vicinity, with photos capturing numerous emergency responders present at the scene.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the situation soon after it occurred, expressing, “I am thinking of the victims and their loved ones. We are here to support them and the residents of Magdeburg. I also want to extend my gratitude to the committed rescue teams working tirelessly during this difficult time.”
The event is expected to stir up German politics as the important snap election approaches on February 23. Currently, the conservative party is ahead in the polls, closely followed by the far-right, anti-immigration group Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfD, shared her sympathies and emphasized her frustration by asking, "When will this insanity stop?" Earlier on Friday, her party received support from billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared her condolences on X, stating, "I am thinking of the victims of the ruthless and cowardly attack in Magdeburg today. My heartfelt sympathies go to their families and friends. I also want to express my gratitude to the police and first responders. This violent act needs to be thoroughly investigated and met with strong consequences."
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, described the news as “disheartening,” stating: “I am thinking of the victims and their families. I appreciate all the emergency responders who are attending to the injured on the scene.”
The incident could change the political discussion just two months ahead of Germany's upcoming snap elections.
Recent surveys conducted by the Forschergruppe Wahlen institute reveal that the economic crisis has surpassed migration as the top concern for German voters. Over a third of those surveyed indicated that the economy is currently their biggest issue.
The situation may change after the recent incident, similar to what happened following a violent act at a festival in Solingen this summer. Despite this, the main political parties have already taken a firmer position on immigration in their election platforms. The conservative CDU, along with the AfD, is advocating for the implementation of border controls in Germany and seeks to simplify the process for deporting refugees.
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck referred to the "awful news" from a location where people were hoping to enjoy the Advent season together in tranquility. He expressed his condolences for the victims and their families and extended gratitude to all the first responders on the scene who are doing their utmost to assist and uncover the details surrounding the situation.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock both voiced their astonishment over the incident and extended their condolences to the victims and their loved ones.
"Faeser stated that the emergency responders are tirelessly working to assist those hurt and to preserve lives."
Yesterday marked eight years since the tragic attack on the Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin. Islamist extremist Anis Amri used a truck to take the lives of 12 individuals, with another later succumbing to their injuries.
This story is currently being revised.
