A 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor has been arrested following a devastating car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which killed at least 11 people, including a toddler, and left nearly 70 others injured. The incident occurred at 7:04 pm local time, as the driver of a dark BMW drove approximately 400 metres through a crowded market area, causing widespread panic and destruction.
Footage reveals the arrest of a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian suspect in the Magdeburg attack, where a BMW ploughed into a Christmas market crowd, killing at least 11 and injuring up to 80.
An explosive device was reportedly found in the car.#Magdeburg #Germany https://t.co/ZhD1GfK3Fn pic.twitter.com/S1WhrQeimG
— British Pakistani Index (@PakistaniIndex) December 20, 2024
The suspect, who has lived in Germany since 2006 and works in Saxony-Anhalt, was apprehended by armed police at the scene. Video footage shows officers surrounding the vehicle with weapons drawn, ordering the bearded suspect to exit slowly. Authorities have confirmed that a suspected explosive device was found inside the vehicle, further intensifying security concerns.
Emergency services quickly set up treatment tents to tend to the victims, with at least 15 people reported to be severely injured. Graphic video footage from the scene depicted chaos as dozens of individuals lay on the ground, injured, while children could be heard crying in the background. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying, with crowds fleeing in terror as the car tore through the densely packed market.
Saxony-Anhalt’s state leader Reiner Haseloff confirmed the fatalities and described the event as a “terrible tragedy, especially during the holiday season.” Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer added that police are not seeking additional suspects, indicating that the arrested individual acted alone.
Police have cordoned off the market area as they continue their investigation. The suspect’s vehicle, which reportedly contained a suspicious piece of luggage, is being examined by bomb disposal experts. Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack but are treating it as deliberate.
The Magdeburg Christmas market, a popular destination during the festive season, has been closed indefinitely. The tragedy has cast a shadow over holiday celebrations and prompted heightened security at similar events across Germany.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended his condolences to the victims and their families, expressing his horror at the incident. Local officials have called for calm as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the attack.