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Tragedy in the German city of Magdeburg // Two people died, over 60 injured. Maia Sandu: We firmly condemn violence in all forms

Two people, including a child, died and at least 60 others were injured after a man drove his car into a crowd at the Christmas Market in the German city of Magdeburg, located in the center of the country. The official toll is not final, with German media reporting that several people lost their lives. The man who drove his car into the crowd was detained and was questioned overnight. He is a Saudi Arabian doctor. The motive for the attack is still unclear, but authorities say it was a suspicious attack.

"We still do not know the context of the crime, we are analyzing everything," a police spokeswoman said, according to the German Public TV channel Tagesschau. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will visit the city where the brutal attack happened today.

German authorities said they were conducting searches but did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, several officials have sent messages of condolence and condemned the brutal attack. President Maia Sandu wrote in a post on the X platform that she was “deeply saddened by the tragic event at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.”

“My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. What should have been a time of joy and unity has turned into sadness - we strongly condemn violence in all forms.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the “brutal and cowardly act” in Magdeburg.

In a statement on X, Ursula Von der Leyen said her thoughts were “with the victims.”

“My condolences go out to the family and friends, my thanks to the police and rescuers. This act of violence must be investigated and severely punished,” she said. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US was “appalled by the attack” in the German city of Magdeburg.

“We send our condolences to those affected and stand with our friend and ally Germany,” he posted on X.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X that he was “deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas Market.” “France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity,” Macron said.

We have requested information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau on whether Moldovan citizens are among the victims, but we have not received a response yet.

The Christmas Market where the incident happened is located near Magdeburg City Hall.

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