On Friday, a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The crash killed two people, including a toddler, and injured dozens.
Authorities reported 68 injuries, with 15 in serious condition. Police arrested the driver, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor with permanent residency in Germany. He has lived in Germany since 2006 and works in Saxony-Anhalt.
Social media footage captured the car plowing through the crowd, scattering people and debris. Police arrested the suspect near a damaged car about 150 meters from the scene. Investigators discovered the car was rented and ruled out the presence of explosives.
The Christmas market, known for its 140 stalls, ice skating, and a ferris wheel, attracts large crowds during the holiday season. Hospitals in Magdeburg struggled to treat the many injured. Medical teams transferred some patients to a hospital in Halle.
Emergency crews deployed 100 firefighters and 50 rescue workers to assist at the scene. Medical teams treated minor injuries at a nearby shopping center and on a tram converted into a care center.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed condolences and praised the rescue workers’ efforts. Officials held a memorial service at Magdeburg Cathedral and flew flags at half-mast to honor the victims.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack and sent condolences to the victims and Germany. European leaders and the White House also expressed solidarity with Germany during this tragedy.
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