Vehicle attack on Christmas market in Germany: Attacker's identity revealed

Saxony-Anhalt State Premier Reiner Haseloff stated in a press conference that 2 people lost their lives in the attack, noting that one of the victims was a young child.

"This is a terrible event during these days as we approach Christmas." said Haseloff, reporting that over 60 people were injured, some of them seriously.

Haseloff stated that the attacker had been taken into custody, noting that the attacker, of Saudi Arabian origin, was a doctor working in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and had been living in Germany since 2006.

ATTACKER'S IDENTITY REVEALED

The newspaper Welt also reported, citing police sources, that the attacker was a Saudi Arabian citizen born in 1974 and had been taken into custody.

According to reports in the national press, the attacker drove a BMW vehicle into the crowd at the Christmas market for at least 400 meters.

Following the incident, the Christmas market was closed, and people were asked to leave the city center.

The attack took place at the Christmas market set up next to the Magdeburg City Hall near the Elbe River.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a written statement, "The anticipation of a peaceful Christmas has been suddenly interrupted by the news from Magdeburg. The full background of this terrible crime has not yet been clarified. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all emergency services for their efforts."

Chancellor Olaf Scholz also stated on the social media platform X that the news from Magdeburg was extremely distressing.

Scholz remarked, "Emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Security authorities will clarify the background of the incident."

It was learned that Scholz will visit the scene of the incident in Magdeburg.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated on X that the news from Magdeburg was worrying, adding, "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with them and the people of Magdeburg. I would like to express my gratitude to the rescue workers who are working selflessly during these anxious hours."

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also shared on her X account, "The images from Magdeburg shake me deeply. For families and friends who wanted to spend time together at the Christmas market, nothing will ever be the same. I offer my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. I thank the emergency services and helpers."

News Source : 12punto