At least five people have lost their lives and more than 200 have been injured in a devastating car attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, state premier Reiner Haseloff announced on Saturday.
The incident occurred when a vehicle drove through crowds gathered at the popular market in the central city. Among the deceased is a young child, local officials reported.
Authorities have arrested a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia who has been living in Germany for nearly two decades. Police have not released his name but confirmed he worked as a doctor in a nearby town. His home was searched overnight as part of the ongoing investigation.
German publication Der Spiegel reported that the suspect had sympathies with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD, currently polling in second place ahead of a snap election on February 23, has been vocal about tightening migration policies.
A Saudi source informed Reuters that Saudi Arabia had previously warned German authorities about the suspect after he posted extremist views on his personal X account that threatened peace and security.
AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel condemned the attack on X, stating, “The pictures from #Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and injured. When will this madness come to an end?”
The attack has intensified the debate over migration and security in Germany, adding tension as the country prepares for the upcoming election.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
