A tragedy struck the German city of Magdeburg this Friday, December 20, when a car deliberately rushed on the crowd gathered around the Christmas market in the early evening.
The attack, described as “alleged attack” by local authorities, caused the death of two people, including a child, and made at least 68 injured. Among the victims, 15 were seriously injured and fight for their survival, while the others suffered injuries ranging from moderate to light.
Saudi suspect
The suspect, a man of Saudi origin, was quickly arrested by the police at the scene of the attack. An investigation was opened to determine the exact motivations of the suspect, although the first elements refer to a premeditated terrorist act.
The vehicle used has been entered and is being examined by criminalic experts, who seek to understand how and why this attack was perpetrated.
An attack that revives old trauma
This attack comes in a sensitive context for Germany, marking a dark reminiscence of the Truck Truck attack in 2016 in Berlin, where 12 people had lost their lives on a similar Christmas market.
The country remains on alert in the face of the terrorist threat, especially during the end of year holidays, where public gatherings are numerous.
Pending the results of the survey, the authorities have strengthened the security measures around the Christmas markets across the territory, in order to guarantee the protection of citizens and to avoid new dramas.
However, this attack raises questions on the effectiveness of anti -terrorist devices and the challenges that Germany must face to protect its population in a context of persistent threat.
