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11 Dead as Car Mows Down Shoppers at German Christmas Market – BILD (GRAPHIC VIDEO) | |
(32 minutes later) | |
WELT has reported that police have arrested, at the scene, a man born in Saudi Arabia | |
A dark BMW plowed through the German city of Magdeburg’s crowded Christmas market on Friday evening, killing at least 11 people and injuring up to 80, according to BILD. Authorities have labeled the incident a suspected terror attack, local media has reported. | |
The attack occurred at 7:04pm local time, when the vehicle reportedly sped 400 meters through the festive market near the city’s historic town hall, sending panicked shoppers fleeing in all directions. Witnesses described the car driving directly into the crowd as terrified screams echoed through the street. | |
Paramedics rushed to the scene, setting up emergency tents to treat the wounded. The first wave of patients — 10 to 20 people — were transported to University Hospital Magdeburg, which prepared additional intensive care beds. | |
Authorities arrested the driver at the scene. According to security sources cited by WELT newspaper, the suspect is reportedly a 49-year-old man from Saudi Arabia who rented the vehicle shortly before the attack. Police are investigating whether he acted alone. | |
“This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas,” said Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff, who traveled to Magdeburg to assess the situation. “The pictures are terrible,” added city spokesman Michael Reif. | |
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media: “The reports from Magdeburg suggest bad things. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the people of Magdeburg.” | |
Political leaders across the country voiced shock. CDU leader Friedrich Merz wrote: “This is very devastating news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. I thank the emergency services caring for the wounded.” | |
AfD leader Alice Weidel added: “The pictures from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and wounded. When will this madness end?” | |
Authorities have closed the Christmas market and are urging the public to avoid the area. “Please let emergency services do their work and leave the market in an orderly manner,” organizers warned on Instagram. | |
German political leaders expressed shock and offered condolences. “This is very depressing news from Magdeburg,” wrote CDU leader Friedrich Merz on X, while AfD’s Alice Weidel called the attack “shocking” and asked, “When will this madness end?” | |
The investigation into the driver’s identity and motive is ongoing. Further updates on casualties and the situation are expected. | |
One unconfirmed video circulating on social media shows the car plowing into the crowded market. | One unconfirmed video circulating on social media shows the car plowing into the crowded market. |
Die Fachkraft von Magdeburg..... pic.twitter.com/NDZiWaiRBw | Die Fachkraft von Magdeburg..... pic.twitter.com/NDZiWaiRBw |
Another shows people lying on the ground and a massive police presence in the area. The authenticity of this video has also not been confirmed. | Another shows people lying on the ground and a massive police presence in the area. The authenticity of this video has also not been confirmed. |
Was ist in Magdeburg passiert? Das Übliche mal wieder?#weihnachtsmarkt#Magdeburgpic.twitter.com/8w28WvgbRn | Was ist in Magdeburg passiert? Das Übliche mal wieder?#weihnachtsmarkt#Magdeburgpic.twitter.com/8w28WvgbRn |
Located west of Berlin, Magdeburg is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, with a population of about 240,000. | Located west of Berlin, Magdeburg is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, with a population of about 240,000. |