Germany: Scholz visits attack site in Magdeburg as death toll rises to 5

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday visited the Christmas market in Germany’s Magdeburg to take stock of the situation as the death toll went up to five.

According to German public-service broadcaster ARD, over 200 people were left injured after an SUV ploughed through a busy market in Magdeburg on Friday night.

Police have arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who was allegedly driving the car. It is, however, not clear yet whether the attack was inspired by radical religious or political beliefs, or linked to psychological problems.

“It is very positive to hear that Germany is not alone,” the chancellor said as he thanked world leaders for expressing solidarity during this time.

He also called for an “in-depth” investigation into the incident. “We should not allow those who wish to sow hate to do so,” Scholz said.

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Seven Indian nationals have also been reportedly injured in the incident. “Three of them have been discharged from the hospital. Our Mission is in touch with all those injured in the attack,” according to sources.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack. “We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance,” the MEA said in a statement.

‘Christmas is over in Magdeburg’

Meanwhile, Magdeburg city councillor for public order, Ronni Krug, announced the closure of the Christmas market saying, “Christmas in Magdeburg is over.”

The interior ministry announced on Saturday morning that official buildings in Saxony-Anhalt, the German state with Magdeburg as its capital, will fly flags at half-mast to honour the victims of the attack.

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Who was the attacker?

The Saudi man, named by German media as Taleb A., was a psychiatric doctor who had lived in Germany since 2006 and held a permanent residence permit.

Media pointed to his social media posts in which he expressed views critical of Islam, sympathetic to the far right and even warned of the “dangers” of an Islamisation of Germany.

“The motives remain mysterious,” wrote Der Spiegel weekly about the latest vehicle-ramming attack to target a traditional German festival market.

With inputs from agencies