Fri Dec 20 22:36:31 UTC 2024: ## Deadly Car Ramming Attack at German Christmas Market Kills Two, Injures Dozens
**Magdeburg, Germany** – A deadly car ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, left two people dead and over 60 injured on Friday evening. A 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor, who has resided in Germany since 2006, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, drove a rented BMW at high speed through the crowded market, traversing at least 400 meters and leaving a trail of casualties. The attack occurred around 7:00 pm local time, when the market was bustling with holiday revelers. Fifteen people sustained critical injuries, 37 suffered serious injuries, and 16 received minor injuries, according to city officials.
Regional Premier Reiner Haseloff confirmed the arrest, stating that the attacker acted alone and there is no indication of further danger. Police are investigating whether a piece of luggage found in the vehicle contained an explosive device.
The attack has evoked memories of the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack, which also involved a vehicle-ramming and resulted in numerous fatalities. While authorities had not received specific threats prior to the incident, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser recently urged increased vigilance at Christmas markets due to previous warnings from domestic security services about their potential as targets for Islamist-motivated individuals.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, vowing support for Magdeburg. International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, also condemned the attack. The investigation is ongoing.
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