A devastating incident has come to light from Germany. A car plowed through a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, leaving a horrifying trail of death and injuries. At least two people, including a small child, were killed. Furthermore, the crash left over 68 others injured, with 15 in critical condition. The police have confirmed the arrest of the driver. Taleb A, the driver, is a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian medical doctor.
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Businessman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is all set to join US President-elect Donald Trump’s administration as an outside adviser, has called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign in response to a deadly attack at a German Christmas market. Musk, while responding in a thread about reports of the incident, wrote “Scholz should resign immediately,” Musk posted on X, adding: “Incompetent foolâ. Only the AfD can save Germany, Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform, X.
The incident occurred at 7:00 PM on Friday at Magdeburgâs bustling Old Market near the town hall. The premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, described the incident as a catastrophe for Germany. While talking to the media, Haseloff said “We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him,”
According to reports the Eyewitnesses and the CCTV footage revealed the horrifying moment when a black BMW sped through the festive market. Among the witnesses, a mother recounted narrowly saving herself and her child by jumping out of the carâs path. The BMW traveled approximately 400 meters from the middle of the crowded market.
The aftermath of the incident left behind a chaotic scene of injured victims, blood-streaked roads, and devastated onlookers. The driver was caught at the scene near the wrecked vehicle. The police secured the area over fears of an explosive device. But, the authorities later confirmed that no such device was found and the situation was controlled.
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Meanwhile, the suspect has been identified as a refugee since 2016. Police revealed that he was a consultant in psychiatry and psychotherapy. The moments before the driver was apprehended were particularly chilling. The visuals from the scene showed police pointing weapons at the suspect.
Olaf Scholz the German Chancellor shared his condolences on his X profile. In a post on X, he wrote âThe reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad is about to happen. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.â Scholz is expected to visit the site with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German President, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the âneed for clarity about the attackerâs motives. The anticipation of a peaceful Christmas has been abruptly shatteredâ he stated further.
Joining the fray of condolences the International leaders also expressed solidarity with Germany. French President Emmanuel Macron in a post on X wrote âDeeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany this evening. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones and families. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity.â
Furthermore, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack. She wrote, âI am deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd at the Christmas market. Violence must have no place in our democraciesâ. Spainâs Prime Minister Pedro also expressed his condolences to the victims.
The Domestic security services in Germany have further warned of such risks. Especially from Islamist-motivated individuals. The leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alice Weidel, criticized the governmentâs immigration policies. She linked the attack to past incidents involving refugees. In a post on X, she questioned When will this madness end?.
According to the initial findings, the suspect reportedly rented the vehicle shortly before the attack. Despite the initial fears, authorities clarified that Taleb did not have a known Islamist background. However, local media highlighted that police investigations extended to Bernburg, south of Magdeburg, where the suspect is believed to have lived.
Meanwhile, the recent attack has evoked painful memories of Germanyâs worst terror incident in 2016. When a Tunisian jihadist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing over 12 people. This recent attack raises concerns about security during the festive season, with Christmas markets being the vulnerable targets.
The Christmas markets are a cherished tradition in Germany. They are a huge part of German culture as an annual holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages. But the tragedy has struck a chilling chord and the markets are now marred by fear. The incident has left many in shock, especially during the festive season.
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