International solidarity after car attack in Magdeburg
The driver of the car was arrested. Federal Chancellor Scholz speaks to the families of the dead and injured.
Magdeburg (dpa) – A 50-year-old man drove his car through the Christmas market in Magedburg on Friday evening, killing four people. According to official figures, more than 200 people were injured, including 41 seriously. They were treated on site, some of them directly in front of market stalls, and then gradually transported to hospitals.
The man arrested after the attack is from Saudi Arabia and is known as an anti-Islam activist. A doctor who has lived in Germany since 2006, the man describes himself as an ex-Muslim, according to dpa.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with them and with the people of Magdeburg.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte contacted Scholz to express his sympathy. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said Rutte on X. “NATO stands by Germany’s side.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that France shares the pain of the German people. The USA has assured its solidarity and is prepared to provide support, according to US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. Saudi Arabia also condemned the deadly attack. “The Kingdom expresses its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims,” the Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement on X.