Bloody attack on Magdeburg Christmas market - five dead, many injuries!

Bloody attack on Magdeburg Christmas market - five dead, many injuries!

A shocking terrorist attack shook the Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening, December 20. A car raced through the crowd at full speed and demanded five fatalities, including a child. Over 200 people were injured, many seriously. The alleged perpetrator, a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, was arrested and is already known to the German authorities, but not as an Islamist. It is assumed that dissatisfaction with the treatment of refugees could be a possible motive for the act, as the Berliner Zeitung reported.

As a result of the terrible events, ARD changed its evening program at short notice. Instead of the planned entertainment show "Do you understand fun?" a "focal point" is broadcast at 8:15 p.m. under the title "attack in Magdeburg", which will offer the latest information about the incident and an analysis of the crime gear for 15 minutes. Where many Christmas markets are already protecting themselves nationwide with security measures such as concrete blocks, the question is now raised which other precautions are necessary to prevent future tragedies, such as the Live executed.

Investigations and reactions

The investigative authorities have ensured the perpetrator's car, a rental car, and check whether an explosive device was hidden in it. The perpetrator was arrested by a special command (SEK) after emergency services reacted quickly to the incident. The location was initially chaotic and there were numerous rescue measures that put the city's overloaded hospitals to the test. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the attack as "terrible, insane act" and called for a joint action to investigate crime.

The international community has also shown solidarity, with statements in the sympathy of state and government heads worldwide. Saudi Arabia had previously warned of the alleged perpetrator, but Germany did not react to the warnings, which focuses on public security.