In Magdeburg, they paid tribute to the victims of the attack on the Christmas market.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed condolences after the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg.
We stand with the people of Magdeburg and all Germans on this cloudy day. Hang in there, dear German friends.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Magdeburg on December 21 to pay tribute to the victims. Scholz arrived at the scene of the tragedy in the morning, expressed support for the victims and thanked the rescuers. In the evening, both politicians will take part in the funeral service at Magdeburg Cathedral.
To express solidarity and grief for the victims, at 19.04, at the moment when the tragedy occurred, the bells of all churches in Magdeburg and neighboring cities will ring today. According to the Evangelical Church of Germany, a similar event will take place in Catholic churches in the region.
Citizens and government officials will gather today for a funeral ceremony in the cathedral to remember the victims and express support for the victims and their families.
“We thought this could happen anywhere, but not here.” What eyewitnesses say about the tragedy in Magdeburg
Many of those who had been to the Magdeburg Christmas market the day before considered their city safe.
We thought this could happen anywhere, but not here,” said firefighter Daniel Schurman.
One eyewitness, Nadine, told how her friend Marco was hit by a car while they were standing nearby.
He was literally ripped out of my hands. It was terrible. We still don’t even know what hospital he is in. This uncertainty is unbearable,” she added.
A couple who witnessed the tragedy described terrible scenes: wounded people with open fractures, bloodied people and victims of the earth.
We helped the victims, but these memories will remain with us for the rest of our lives. “I’m glad our children were not there,” the man said.
In total, more than 200 people were injured as a result of the attack, five of them died. According to preliminary information, a native of Saudi Arabia, Taleb A., crashed into the crowd in a rented car. The attacker himself is known for criticizing Islam.
Security measures are being urgently tightened at Christmas markets in Germany
Following the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market the night before, police in several German states are increasing their presence.
In Berlin, according to Interior Senator Iris Sprenger, there will be more law enforcement officers at fairs. In addition, the Berlin police and fire department offered assistance to their colleagues in Magdeburg.
Security measures are also being tightened in Hesse. According to the Minister of Internal Affairs Roman Pozek, the level of police protection was already high, but now it will be increased even more.
We will do everything possible to ensure that the Christmas markets in Hesse are safe and peaceful, he stressed.
Additionally, barriers are being checked to prevent cars from entering the Christmas markets.
Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster said the police are ready to support fair organizers and adjust existing security measures.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as with those struggling with the consequences of the attack in Magdeburg, he said.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.