Five dead, over 200 injured in Christmas market attack in Germany’s Magdeburg

A tragic attack at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg left five people dead and at least 200 others injured on Friday evening. Authorities confirmed that among the deceased was a small child, and the number of fatalities could rise further as some of the injured remain in critical condition.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. local time, when a vehicle, identified by police as a BMW, plowed through the crowded market for over 400 meters, leaving a trail of bloodied casualties. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the car speeding through the market between rows of holiday stalls, with pedestrians being struck and thrown to the ground.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the site on Saturday, laying flowers in tribute to the victims. Speaking from the scene, he expressed his condolences, noting that nearly 40 of the injured were in a life-threatening condition. “We must be very worried about them,” Scholz said, calling the attack a “catastrophe” for the city, state, and the entire country.

Authorities arrested a man they believe to be the driver of the vehicle — a doctor from Saudi Arabia who had been residing in Bernburg, a town approximately 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg. Police confirmed that the suspect was acting alone and that there was no further threat to the public. Local media reported that the man may have had sympathies with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, though the motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff condemned the attack as “a terrible tragedy” and expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, especially so close to Christmas. He said it was impossible to rule out further fatalities, given the severity of the injuries sustained by many victims.

The Saudi Arabian government swiftly condemned the attack, offering its condolences and expressing solidarity with Germany. German officials, meanwhile, vowed to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, has a population of about 240,000 and is known for its festive Christmas markets, which attract thousands of visitors each year. Local authorities have promised to bolster security in the wake of the tragedy, and national leaders are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss further actions.

The incident has shaken the community and the nation, marking a somber start to the holiday season.