Five people were killed and more than 200 injured when a car rammed into a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, Bild newspaper and ARD broadcaster reported on Saturday.
According to police reports, 41 people suffered grave injuries in the incident. A further 86 people were hospitalised with significant injuries, while 78 others sustained minor injuries.
Police said initial tests indicated the suspect was under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack.
A Saudi source told Reuters that Saudi authorities had previously warned German officials about the suspect after he posted extremist content threatening peace and security on his X social media account.
Der Spiegel magazine reported the suspect had shown sympathies with the AfD party, though the publication did not cite its source for this information.
The death toll rose from initial reports of two fatalities on Friday evening, according to Bild.
Deeply shocked and devastated by the horrific attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, leaving many dead and injured. I fully condemn this reprehensible act. During this tragic time my thoughts are with the victims’ families as we stand in solidarity with the people of Germany.
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) December 21, 2024
Photograph: Hendrik Schmidt/AP
