A devastating car-ramming attack struck a bustling Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuring over 200 others. The incident occurred as holiday shoppers gathered in the central city, turning a festive event into a scene of chaos and tragedy.
State Premier Reiner Haseloff confirmed the rising death toll on Saturday, highlighting the severity of the attack. Among the casualties was a young child, intensifying the community's grief and shock.
Authorities swiftly apprehended a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, who has been residing in Germany for nearly two decades, as the suspected driver. Investigations are ongoing, with Der Spiegel reporting that the suspect may have sympathies with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Police conducted a thorough search of his residence overnight in connection with the case.
A Saudi source communicated to Reuters that Saudi Arabia had alerted German officials about the attacker after he expressed extremist views on his personal X account, posing threats to peace and security. This revelation adds another layer to the ongoing debates surrounding migration and national security in Germany.
The attack arrives amid a politically charged atmosphere, with Germany preparing for a snap election on February 23. The AfD, currently trailing in the polls behind the conservative opposition, has been vocally advocating for stricter immigration controls.
In the wake of the tragedy, AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel condemned the attack on her X account, stating, \"The pictures from #Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and injured. When will this madness come to an end?\" Her statement reflects the party's stance on the urgent need to address security concerns.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
