Chancellor Scholz visits the attack site in Magdeburg – DW – December 21, 2024

One of the main questions being discussed is how the suspect managed to drive his car into the crowd, especially since security measures at Christmas markets have been increased precisely to prevent such incidents.

I visited several markets in the last few days to see for myself the security measures, and compared to previous years they were much more noticeable: large concrete bollards at the entrance, other roadblocks on the sidewalks and police officers on patrol. At least in the markets I visited, it would have been very difficult for someone to drive a vehicle into a crowd.

This incident will most likely spark a debate about whether security measures are effective enough to protect public spaces in Germany or whether additional efforts are needed.

At least in the short term, the Christmas markets are likely to increase security. Officials in Berlin announced the deployment of additional staff at the city’s Christmas markets.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit the scene of a fatal traffic accident at the Magdeburg Christmas market.

Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will visit the market, where condolence flowers have already been laid.

Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff said he would discuss the “necessary measures” with the Chancellor.

“We have to work through this now and draw long-term consequences,” said Haseloff.

Two people – including a small child – were killed and 60 others injured after the vehicle plowed into a crowd in a German city on Friday.

Scholz expressed his condolences in a statement on the social media platform X.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by your side and by the people of Magdeburg,” he wrote on Friday evening.

A man drove a rental car into a crowd at the Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg around 7 p.m. on Friday. The man killed two people and injured at least 60 others.

Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff said the suspect was a 50-year-old Saudi citizen who works as a doctor and has lived in Germany since 2006.

The suspect, who presumably acted alone, was arrested at the scene.

Authorities have not yet commented on the possible motives behind the crime.

Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, have sent condolences.

Magdeburg Mayor Simone Borris announced that a memorial service would take place in Magdeburg Cathedral on Saturday evening.

dvv/sms (DPA, AFP, AP, Reuters)