An inquiry by authorities is currently in progress subsequent to a vehicle being “driven at high speed” into a gathering at a Christmas bazaar in Germany.
At least two individuals have lost their lives, including a young child, and several others have suffered injuries after the occurrence in Magdeburg, as per local officials.
The alleged perpetrator is identified as a 50-year-old physician from Saudi Arabia who arrived in Germany in 2006.
This is what we have gathered so far:
Immediate Response
The event occurred at the Christmas market situated in Magdeburg, approximately 100 miles to the west of Berlin, the capital of Germany.
Live updates: Latest on the Germany Christmas market incident
The city serves as the administrative capital of Saxony-Anhalt and has an estimated population of around 240,000.
Law enforcement was summoned to the market just after 7 PM.
Location of the assault. Pic: Heiko Rebsch/dpa via AP
In their preliminary statement, posted on X, the authorities reported: “Comprehensive police measures are currently underway at the Magdeburg Christmas market.
“The Christmas market in the downtown area is now closed. Additional updates will follow.”
Emerging Footage
A video allegedly from CCTV, which Sky News has not yet confirmed, seemed to show a dark vehicle barreling into individuals at the market.
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Young child among those deceased at the market
Additional footage appeared to capture individuals injured on the pavement while others rushed to their assistance.
Footage recorded from a nearby balcony subsequently surfaced, seemingly showing a man being escorted away and apprehended by the officials.
Casualty Count
The regional premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, indicated that two individuals had perished and a minimum of 68 had sustained injuries.
He confirmed that one of the deceased was a young child.
Photo Credit: AP
Pic: AP
Earlier, deputy mayor Regina-Dolores Stieler-Hinz stated that one individual had perished and over 50 individuals incurred injuries, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
A representative from the city indicated that all medical facilities in Magdeburg were preparing for a “mass casualty incident.”
What information is available about the suspect?
The interior minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Tamara Zieschang, informed journalists that the individual suspected is a 50-year-old physician from Saudi Arabia who initially arrived in Germany in 2006.
According to German news source Welt, citing security officials, the individual was indeed a man originating from Saudi Arabia.
Concurrently, dpa, referencing security sources, noted that the suspect had not been previously known to law enforcement authorities.
How has Germany responded?
Political leaders and high-ranking officials across Germany have expressed their sorrow in reaction to the occurrence.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on the X social media platform: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“We stand alongside them and with the people of Magdeburg. I extend my gratitude to the committed first responders during these distressing moments.”
The nation’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, expressed on X: “The news coming from Magdeburg is profoundly distressing. The emergency personnel are exerting every effort to assist the injured and preserve lives.
“We keep the victims and their families close in our thoughts. The security agencies will work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
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Aftermath of the German Christmas market incident
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck stated: “What tragic news emanates from Magdeburg, where individuals aimed to enjoy the Advent period in serenity and community.
“My sentiments are with the victims and their families. I commend all the first responders present who are striving to provide assistance.”
International figures have also conveyed their sympathies. In a message on X, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed: “We extend our prayers to the families of the victims.”
