The driver of the rental vehicle, as reported by Haseloff, was involved in the incident. In response to the situation, authorities have established a hotline for individuals impacted to connect with their loved ones. It was officially declared on X that the Magdeburg Christmas market would be closed due to ongoing “extensive police operations.” The city’s mayor disclosed that a memorial service is scheduled to take place at Magdeburg’s cathedral at 7 p.m. local time on Saturday. Additionally, a memorial site has been set up near the location of the attack at St. John’s Church.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, without directly referencing the nationality of the attacker, has denounced the incident that occurred on X. The Ministry expressed its support for the German people and the affected families. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, conveyed the shock and dismay felt by the United States in response to the attack. He offered condolences to those impacted and emphasized solidarity with Germany, a valued ally.
The recent attack has reignited discussions around unregulated immigration within Germany, especially as the country anticipates snap elections in February following Scholz’s recent confidence vote defeat. The Alternative for Germany party, known as AfD, gained significant ground in September by securing the highest number of votes in a state election since the Nazi era, notably in Thuringia. This outcome positions AfD to potentially influence the formation of a new government come February. The rise of far-right parties in Germany mirrors a trend across Western Europe, with similar gains observed in countries like France, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, celebrated an unexpected victory in the Netherlands as his anti-immigrant party secured the most seats in the nation’s November elections. Reflecting on the German attack, Wilders condemned the violence and reiterated his long-standing stance against open borders, emphasizing the need for stricter immigration policies.
The political affiliations of the suspect remain unclear, leaving room for speculation regarding their motives. The scene outside St. John’s Church in Magdeburg was one of mourning as individuals paid their respects to the victims. This recent attack drew parallels to a similar tragedy that occurred almost eight years ago in Berlin, where a driver targeted a Christmas market, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and numerous injuries.
The impact of Friday’s attack resonated across the globe, reaching as far as New York City. In response, the NYPD announced heightened security measures at holiday markets and other prominent locations as a precautionary measure. While threats have emerged targeting markets abroad, no specific threats have been identified in New York City at this time.
