Berlin, Dec 21
A Saudi man was arrested after a car rammed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, central Germany, leaving two people dead, including a child, and over 60 others injured, according to Saxony-Anhalt's state premier.
The incident occurred on Friday evening when the market was bustling with crowds gathered for Christmas shopping.
Condemning the attack, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to X and posted, "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg."
Speaking to the reporters, Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff revealed that the suspected driver is a Saudi Arabian doctor, who has been residing in Germany since 2006 and working in the region.
Of the injured, 15 are reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may increase, he added.
Haseloff confirmed the driver had been arrested. He added that the suspect was not previously known to authorities for any Islamist activities.
Local media reports identified the vehicle as a black BMW, which reportedly entered the crowded market area at approximately 7:04 P.M. Eyewitness accounts described the driver steering in a zigzag pattern through the market, causing widespread chaos.