A tragic incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday left five people dead and more than 200 others injured when a car sped through the crowd. Witnesses, including Eidwicht, a local resident, expressed deep sadness and anger in the aftermath of the attack. “I feel bad, I still do,” she said, recalling the terror of the event and the uncertainty when her granddaughter didn’t answer her calls for two hours.
The suspect, 50-year-old Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi refugee, was arrested for the attack, though the motive remains unclear. Authorities described him as an “untypical” attacker, as Christmas markets in Germany have previously been targeted by extremists, mainly Islamists. Al-Abdulmohsen had made hostile statements about Islam and expressed support on social media for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In one post, he praised the party for sharing his views on “protecting Germany.”
The attack has sparked political tensions, particularly surrounding security and immigration policies. The AfD, which has gained significant traction ahead of the upcoming federal elections, has seized on the attack to push their agenda. AfD leader Alice Weidel, who is scheduled to attend a procession of mourning in Magdeburg, criticized the government’s security measures and immigration policies. “The state must protect its citizens through a restrictive migration policy and consistent deportations,” she said in a post on X.
However, anti-racism groups in Magdeburg have accused the AfD of exploiting the tragedy. David Begrich of the Miteinander organization warned of the growing anxiety in migrant communities, fearing they would be scapegoated. “We want to organize solidarity across society,” he said, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty felt by many.
The attack has also raised questions about security lapses. Despite heightened precautions at Christmas markets, Al-Abdulmohsen was able to carry out the attack. Authorities had investigated him multiple times in recent years, but one assessment deemed the threat “too unspecific.” Additionally, a tip-off about him in September 2023 was reportedly mishandled. A police van was also absent from a critical gap meant for emergency access, allowing the suspect to drive through.
In the aftermath, Christmas market stallholders have been allowed to return to remove their equipment. However, many remain too shaken to speak publicly about the attack. Tensions have also grown between journalists and protesters, particularly after a far-right demonstration in Magdeburg. The Association of German Journalists reported threats and aggression toward the press, urging greater police protection.
As the city mourns, local residents are seeking solidarity, but many are also expressing concern about the rising tensions and political exploitation of the tragedy.
