Tragedy in Magdeburg: Saudi doctor drives into Christmas market crowd
The German police investigated whether there was an explosive device in the car that drove into a crowd at the market in Magdeburg. Two people were killed in the attack, and dozens were injured. The attacker turned out to be a doctor from Saudi Arabia.
On Friday evening, there was an attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg.
A speeding car drove into a crowd of people. As a result of the attack, at least two people were killed, and dozens were injured. The German police suspected that there might have been an explosive device in the vehicle.
The situation was clarified before midnight, after a thorough check of the vehicle. At that time, the authorities reported that there were no explosives in it.
Reaction of authorities and medical services
The attacker turned out to be a doctor from Saudi Arabia who has been living and working in Germany since 2006. The Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, confirmed the identity of the perpetrator. The police arrested the suspect but did not rule out that he might have accomplices.
The authorities in Magdeburg confirmed the death of two people. Earlier media reports, including from "Bild" and "Volksstimme," spoke of 11 fatalities. The university hospital in Magdeburg admitted up to 20 injured people, and doctors are prepared to receive additional patients.
