Chancellor visits Magdeburg after 'terrible, insane act' at Christmas market leaves five dead

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has described Friday’s car attack at a Magdeburg Christmas market as a “terrible, insane act” during a visit to the site on Saturday. The incident, in which a car ploughed into the crowded market, killed five people and injured 200 others, leaving the country mourning during the festive season.

“There is no more peaceful and joyful place than a Christmas market. It is unimaginable brutality to harm and kill so many people here,” Scholz said at the scene. He commended the swift response of emergency services and the bravery of bystanders who rushed to help.

The suspect, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi national who has lived in Germany for 18 years, is a psychiatrist practising in Bernburg. He is reportedly known for his anti-Islam views, frequently sharing criticism of the religion and supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on social media.

Extremist views

Investigators are exploring whether his extremist views and recent claims of being targeted by German authorities motivated the attack. “Authorities will be investigating the perpetrator in depth,” Scholz said. 

Saxony-Anhalt minister president Reiner Haseloff confirmed the death toll and praised first responders for their quick action. “This was one of the darkest days in Magdeburg’s history,” he said. A memorial vigil is planned at the city’s cathedral on Saturday night to honour the victims.

The tragedy has sparked renewed concerns over security at Germany’s Christmas markets. Heightened safety measures are now in place nationwide. An attack at a market in Berlin in 2016 killed 12 people and injured dozens more.

^{German chancellor Olaf Scholz © PHOTO RONNY HARTMANN / AFP}