Magdeburg shaken: Christmas market attack raises questions about security

Magdeburg shaken: Christmas market attack raises questions about security

Magdeburg, Deutschland - in Magdeburg there was a tragic attack on the Christmas market, in which a 50-year-old drove into the crowd by car. This incident took place last Friday evening and demanded the life of five people, while up to 235 others were injured. The driver is currently in custody. The Ministry of the Interior of Saxony-Anhalt has now initiated an investigation, not only against the perpetrator, but also for police work during the incident. A police vehicle was positioned at a location that was not planned, which violates the police concept, as mentioned in a report by Radio Ennepe Ruhr

In addition, the security concept of the Christmas market organizer is carefully examined. It remains to be clarified to what extent the prescribed protective measures as well as escape and escape routes have actually been implemented. The public prosecutor has already received a criminal complaint against the city of Magdeburg and the Magdeburg police inspection, which could result in further criminal investigations. In this case, the Halle police inspection (Saale) could also take over.

Federal President speaks for cohesion

In his Christmas speech, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appealed to the citizens to stand together in this difficult time. "Many will be aggravated, unsettled, maybe be afraid," he noticed. In view of the terrible events, he assures the victims and their relatives that they are not alone with their pain. Steinmeier also thanked the emergency services who provided help on the evening of the attack and in the days after, such as ZDF reported.