Two people have been reported dead and nearly 70 others injured after a car plowed into a Christmas market in Germany, according to officials. The motive behind the incident remains unknown at this time, as stated by U.S. sources. However, U.S. law enforcement sources have informed ABC News that German authorities are treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to all those affected by the tragic events. He stated, “We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured and to all those affected by this terrible incident.” Miller also emphasized the United States’ solidarity with Germany in mourning the loss of life and readiness to provide assistance during the recovery efforts and investigation.
German officials, including Scholz, extended their condolences to those impacted by the attack. Scholz conveyed his sympathy, saying, “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.”
The incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg is reminiscent of a similar terror attack that occurred in Berlin almost eight years ago. On December 19, 2016, a man drove a truck into a crowd at a market in Berlin, resulting in 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. The parallels between these two events highlight the ongoing threat of vehicle-ramming attacks.
Law enforcement officials in the United States have cautioned about the possibility of similar attacks on American soil, particularly during festive periods. A joint threat assessment regarding New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square pointed out that vehicle-ramming, either alone or in combination with other tactics, has become a recurring tactic among threat actors in Western countries.
In response to these concerns, the NYPD has announced a surge in resources deployed to safeguard areas like Christmas markets and other holiday activities in the city. Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD deputy commissioner for counterterrorism, assured the public of enhanced security measures during the holiday season, stating, “We know this is a very festive time, it is a busy time in the city, and we are going to make sure that all of our holiday markets, all of our holiday activities are protected by our counter-weapons teams, by officers on patrol, all our counter-terrorism officers, our critical response command.”
Security measures have been heightened at Christmas markets in light of the recent attack in Magdeburg, where a car drove into a crowd. The toll from the incident has risen to five killed and 200 injured, according to the latest updates provided by the minister.
The tragic events in Germany serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by acts of terrorism, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety and security of public spaces during the holiday season and beyond.
