The death toll from the car ramming attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg has risen to six, prosecutors confirmed today. A 52-year-old woman who sustained severe injuries during the attack died in hospital, bringing the total fatalities to six.
The attack occurred on December 20 when a black BMW drove through the traditional Christmas market, plowing through festive stalls and scattering people in its path. The incident left 299 people injured, according to the latest figures from the state interior ministry.
A 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, Dr. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was arrested at the scene. While his motive remains unclear, investigators have revealed that the suspect had expressed anti-Islamic views online and had shown anger toward German authorities. His posts also included support for far-right conspiracy theories regarding the alleged “Islamisation” of Europe.
The attack has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about national security and immigration policies in Germany, particularly in the lead-up to a general election scheduled for two months later. The incident has reignited discussions about rising extremism following a series of deadly knife attacks last year, which were blamed on Islamist extremists.
In the wake of the attack, the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), held a memorial rally for the victims. The party, which is currently polling in second place, used the opportunity to push for stricter immigration controls, demanding that Germany “must close the borders” in response to the incident.
The attack in Magdeburg has drawn comparisons to similar incidents across Europe, where Christmas markets have been targeted by attackers. It has also intensified the debate over how to balance security concerns with the country’s immigration policies, as well as the rising influence of far-right political groups.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the suspect’s motivations. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, both political and social reactions continue to unfold, with many calling for increased measures to ensure public safety during the holiday season.