Somber mood in Magdeburg after deadly Christmas market attack
Reuters
Four days after a devastating car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, the mood remained sombre on Tuesday (24 December), the day Germans traditionally celebrate Christmas.
Mourners gathered at the site of Friday night's tragedy, surrounded by flowers and candles, to honour the victims. The attack left five people dead and over 200 injured, sparking disbelief, anger, and grief among those paying their respects. Many expressed frustration with politicians, suggesting the incident might have been preventable.
“It's not Christmas as usual, it's a long way from Merry Christmas,” said Kerstin Brinkmann-Schneider, a passerby.
On Monday evening, around 3,500 people attended a rally organised by the anti-migrant AfD party in Magdeburg's cathedral square. During the event, co-leader Alice Weidel called for changes "so we can finally live once again in security." The crowd responded with cries of "deport them."
In contrast, an estimated 4,000 counter-demonstrators, carrying candles, formed a human chain in protest. They condemned the use of the tragedy for political purposes and voiced opposition to the spread of hate.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has since called for stricter internal security measures, proposing new laws to bolster police forces and introducing biometric surveillance systems.
Frank Werner, a mourner and visitor to the Christmas market, reflected on the tragedy: “We were at the Christmas market ourselves and only left the market 20 minutes before the attack. And when we got home, I was already getting emails from abroad where people were worried. They already saw reports on television in France and in Mexico about the attack in Magdeburg. That is of course, well, I don't really know what to say. It's all terribly sad."
Another mourner, who chose to remain unnamed, wiped away tears and simply said, “It's terrible. I don't want to say anything more about it now.”
The tragic event has cast a shadow over the holiday season in Magdeburg, leaving many to grapple with a profound sense of loss and a yearning for answers.
12:23
Germany
German authorities probe motive in deadly Christmas market attack
A Saudi doctor with anti-Islam views drove into a Magdeburg Christmas market, killing five. Investigations are ongoing as the tragedy stirs Germany's immigration and security debates.
20:12
Germany
German police investigate Saudi suspect as death toll reaches five
Saudi man investigated in deadly Magdeburg Christmas market attack, reigniting debates on security and migration in Germany's election season.
15:51
Germany
Death toll from German Christmas market car-ramming rises to four, Bild reports
Car-ramming at German Christmas market in Magdeburg leaves 4 dead, dozens injured. Suspect under investigation; motive unclear. Chancellor Scholz to visit the site today.
10:40
Germany
Driver kills at least two after ramming into crowd at German Christmas market
Magdeburg car attack kills 2, injures 60+ at Christmas market; suspect, a Saudi doctor, arrested. Authorities investigate extremist links as Scholz visits the scene.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment