At least 2 people were killed, including a small child, and up to 70 injured, officials said
A dark BMW plowed through the crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening, killing at least two people and injuring up to 70, according to authorities. The driver, identified as a doctor from Saudi Arabia, was arrested at the scene.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that a small child was among the two fatalities. Initially, BILD reported that its sources indicated up to 11 people could be dead, but later noted that information about the death toll was conflicting.
The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who came to Germany in 2006 and holds a permanent residence permit, Saxony-Anhalt’s interior minister, Tamara Zieschang, stated at a news conference. The perpetrator drove a rental car, according to Haseloff.
The investigation into the driver’s motive is ongoing, with local media reporting that authorities are treating the incident as a suspected terror attack. Police are investigating whether he acted alone.
The attack occurred at 7:04pm local time, when the vehicle reportedly sped 400 meters through the festive market near the city’s historic town hall, sending panicked shoppers fleeing in all directions. Witnesses described the car driving directly into the crowd as terrified screams echoed through the street.
Paramedics rushed to the scene, setting up emergency tents to treat the wounded. The first wave of patients — 10 to 20 people — were transported to University Hospital Magdeburg, which prepared additional intensive care beds.
One unconfirmed graphic video circulating on social media shows the car plowing into the crowded market. Another shows people lying on the ground and a massive police presence in the area. The authenticity of this video has also not been confirmed.
Die größte Gefahr in diesem Land geht von der Politik der offenen Grenzen aus.#Magdeburg pic.twitter.com/vVgv22plkV
— Feroz Khan (@achseostwest) December 20, 2024
“This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas,” said Haseloff, who traveled to Magdeburg to assess the situation. “The pictures are terrible,” added city spokesman Michael Reif.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media: “The reports from Magdeburg suggest bad things. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the people of Magdeburg.”
Was ist in Magdeburg passiert? Das Übliche mal wieder?#weihnachtsmarkt #Magdeburg pic.twitter.com/8w28WvgbRn
— consooole (@consoool_e) December 20, 2024
Political leaders across the country voiced shock. CDU leader Friedrich Merz wrote: “This is very devastating news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. I thank the emergency services caring for the wounded.”
AfD leader Alice Weidel added: “The pictures from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and wounded. When will this madness end?”
Authorities have closed the Christmas market and are urging the public to avoid the area. “Please let emergency services do their work and leave the market in an orderly manner,” organizers warned on Instagram.
Located west of Berlin, Magdeburg is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, with a population of about 240,000.
