Germany Haseloff: At least two dead at Christmas market
At least two people have died in the attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market, one adult and one small child. This was stated by Saxony-Anhalt Minister President Reiner Haseloff.
20.12.2024, 23:00
SDA
In addition, a large number of people were injured - at least 60, several of whom were seriously injured. Further fatalities could not be ruled out. "This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general," said Haseloff.
As things stand at present, a single perpetrator
The arrested suspect is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg. According to the information available so far, he is a lone offender and was not known to the authorities as an Islamist. "As things stand at the moment, he is a lone perpetrator, so there is no further danger to the town at the moment because we were able to arrest him and all investigations are now underway."
State Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang said that the man was from Saudi Arabia, had first come to Germany in 2006 and had a permanent residence permit. According to Haseloff, the perpetrator drove a rental car into the crowd at the Christmas market.
Minister President Haseloff also thanked all the helpers and emergency services: "And my deepest regrets and sympathy to all the relatives and all those affected, who were torn from their lives by the shock, even if they were not personally affected." Everyone must now come to terms with what has happened.
The CDU politician went on to say that care for the injured was being provided with maximum capacity and resources. "I have to say, it's all going really smoothly. And yet there is still a situation here that cannot be conclusively assessed."
