Terror in Magdeburg: Christmas market becomes the scene of terror

On December 20, 2024, a devastating attack shook the Christmas market in Magdeburg when a car raced into a crowd. The balance sheet is tragic: at least two dead, including a toddler, and around 60 injuries. The police assume a targeted act of terrorist and was able to arrest a suspected perpetrator immediately. The suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who has lived in Germany since 2006 and has an unlimited residence permit. This reported both berlin live as well as express .

The investigation is in full swing. The Saxony-Anhalt police are actively looking for other witnesses. For this purpose, a point of view was set up in which visitors can upload their photos and videos. Although the alleged perpetrator is already in custody, the investigators hope for information that could contribute to clarifying the motif. So far there is no reliable information about other accomplices or middlers, which calms the authorities because the attack is assessed as an individual offender.

The background of the perpetrator

The arrested perpetrator did not become known as an Islamist, according to Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang. However, the police and security authorities have already made searches at his place of residence in Bernburg to learn more about the background and the possible motive of the attack. Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the driver drove over the market at least 400 meters, which illustrates the force of the attack. The reactions to the action are consistently shaped by shock and horror, while the investigators continue to examine all options.