The organisers of the Magdeburg Christmas Market have released a touching statement in the wake of the horrific attack that occurred earlier this week. A car drove into a crowd at the market in Magdeburg, Germany , resulting in the death of at least five individuals and leaving more than injured. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reported that up to 40 people are seriously injured. Matthias Schuppe, a regional government spokesperson, and Michael Reif, a city spokesperson, have expressed suspicions that the attack was intentional, though it remains unclear if it is connected to terrorism.
The driver, identified as 50 year old Saudi Arabian national Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, has been detained by police who are also investigating a potential explosive device found in the black BMW used for the attack. Recent tweets allegedly from the suspect, reportedly a psychologist, spoke of "slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately".
The market's website now bears a message which states: "We are in deep mourning, and our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, relatives and helpers. The Christmas market and the world of lights are over. Saxony-Anhalt's regional governor Reiner Haseloff remarked on the tragedy, "This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences, saying, "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. A witness to Friday's devastating incident recounted that most of the first aid provided to the injured was administered by fellow attendees who had been enjoying the festive atmosphere just moments earlier.
Gianni Warzecha, who was at the scene with his girlfriend when the car ploughed into the crowd, shared his experience with the BBC : "Suddenly there was a rumbling and the sound of shattered glass. People began to panic. I was next to where it happened. For me it was just the sound first. It took a few minutes for first paramedics to arrive, but it wasn't enough because there were already people hurt. Most of the first aid was done by people there.
