Germany: 11 reported killed after Saudi national plows car into crowd at Christmas market
German police say they are investigating the incident in Magdeburg as a terrorist attack
A suspected terrorist plowed a vehicle into a crowd at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, west of the capital Berlin. The Bild outlet cited the death toll at 11, while others cited lower fatality figures; all reports said "dozens" were hurt.
Terror and heinous attack on Magdeburg’s Christmas market.Absolutely terrifying.pic.twitter.com/oFaZGHZlWC
— Zineb Riboua (@zriboua) December 20, 2024
Local police confirmed that the suspect was a Saudi national born in 1974 and acting alone.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concern about the incident, saying that "reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."
🚨🇩🇪 The arrest of one of the drivers in #Magdeburg terror attack that killed and injured dozens of civilians. The attacker is a Saudi citizen and linked to the Islamic State. pic.twitter.com/TjDPf1iact
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) December 20, 2024
Police declined to give casualty numbers, confirming only a large-scale operation at the market, where people had gathered to celebrate in the days leading up to the Christmas holidays.