A festive Christmas market turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy on Saturday evening when a driver plowed into a crowd of visitors. The devastating incident has left several people dead and many others injured.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with teams working tirelessly to aid the injured and secure the area. The Magdeburg police confirmed the immediate closure of the city center’s Christmas market, as authorities investigate the harrowing event.
According to early reports, the vehicle entered the market area at high speed, striking multiple visitors despite safety measures in place. Local outlet WSM – Wir sind Magdeburg reported, “The vehicle drove through the Christmas market, injuring multiple people and tragically taking lives.”
Disturbing surveillance footage from the scene has surfaced online, showing the aftermath of the attack, including graphic images of injured individuals lying on the ground while bystanders attempt to help. Readers are cautioned that such content may be distressing and unsuitable for sensitive viewers. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing these materials to protect the dignity of the victims.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 20, 2024
Islamist car-ramming terror attack against Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany kills at least 11 people and wounds more than 60.
🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/yxGHSJMTwT
Shortly after the attack, authorities apprehended the terrorist who drove into the crowd at the Magdeburg Christmas market. Social media platforms have been flooded with videos, including footage of the perpetrator’s arrest. One video, paused at a key moment, provides a clear image of the detained attacker. According to Welt, the man is of Saudi Arabian origin.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 20, 2024
First picture of the Islamist terrorist who attacked the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
At least 11 people killed and up to 80 wounded pic.twitter.com/crrJk5sqtC
The driver has been apprehended, as confirmed by Germany’s DPA news agency. While investigators are still working to determine a motive, the deliberate nature of the attack has not been ruled out.
“The Christmas market in Magdeburg is currently the focus of extensive police operations. The market in the city center has been closed,” announced the local police in a statement.