A solemn memorial service was held on Saturday evening in the German city of Magdeburg to honor the victims of a tragic attack at a Christmas market the night before. A car had plowed into crowds at the festive gathering on Friday, resulting in at least five deaths and injuring approximately 200 others.
The service took place at Magdeburg’s historic cathedral and was attended by victims’ relatives, emergency responders, and invited dignitaries, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Outside the cathedral, mourners laid flowers and lit candles in remembrance of those lost.
At exactly 7:04 p.m., the time the attack occurred a day earlier, church bells tolled across the city, marking a moment of collective grief.
Victims Include a Young Child
Among the victims was a 9-year-old child, confirmed Horst Walter Nopens, head of the local public prosecutor’s office. He did not provide further details about the other four adult victims. Authorities cautioned that the death toll could rise, as many of the injured were in serious condition.
According to local media reports, the incident lasted roughly three minutes. Questions have been raised regarding security measures, as the route used by the perpetrator was not secured with barriers.
Nation Responds to Tragedy
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the event as “a terrible tragedy” and emphasized the need for social cohesion in the wake of such brutality. “We will respond with the full force of the law,” he stated.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser ordered flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide in honor of the victims. Both Scholz and Faeser arrived in Magdeburg on Saturday to pay their respects.
Suspect in Custody
A 50-year-old doctor, originally from Saudi Arabia, was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody. Police searched his home overnight and believe he acted alone. The suspect has resided in Germany since 2006 and worked in a nearby town. Authorities noted that he was not previously known to law enforcement.
Horst Walter Nopens indicated that one possible factor could be the suspect’s frustration with Germany’s handling of Saudi refugees. Authorities had reportedly been alerted about the man approximately a year ago, according to the German news agency dpa.
A City in Mourning
Magdeburg, a city of roughly 237,000 residents located about 150 kilometers west of Berlin, is grappling with the shock of the attack. The incident echoes the tragic events of December 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 people and injuring over 70 others.
The community continues to come together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
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Memorial service held for victims of car attack at German market
cgtn.com
