Lüneburg's Christmas market: Minute of silence after the Magdeburg attack!

Lüneburg's Christmas market: Minute of silence after the Magdeburg attack!

On the night of December 21, 2024, the Magdeburg Christmas market became the scene of a terrible accident: a driver drove into the crowd, causing five deaths and over 200 injuries. The arrested suspect, an Islam critic from Bernburg with Saudi Arabian roots, has caused public outrage. After the cruel events, the company that runs the Magdeburg Christmas markets has decided to close the market, which was originally scheduled to run until December 29th. “We are deeply saddened and our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims, relatives and helpers,” said the organizer n-tv reported.

Security measures are being tightened

To prevent similar incidents in the future, several cities and states have taken immediate action. In Berlin, Bavaria and Hamburg the police presence at Christmas markets will be increased. Interior Senator Iris Spranger emphasized that the Berlin police were in close contact with the security authorities in Magdeburg and had offered their support. The security situation in Hesse and Leipzig is also being reassessed and adjusted to ensure the safety of visitors. In Thuringia, discussions are taking place with market organizers to review existing security concepts, as stated by State newspaper reported.

In addition, the police in Baden-Württemberg are planning to position large vehicles on access routes to act as a barrier, while in North Rhine-Westphalia security measures have already been increased after the last attack. In Lüneburg, a minute's silence will be held for the victims at the Christmas market, and Mayor Claudia Kalisch has already contacted the security authorities to discuss the situation.