Police are also investigating whether the driver, who has been taken into custody by law enforcement, acted alone. Magdeburg police shut down the market, citing “extensive police operations” in the area, as images showed dozens of emergency personnel working at the site.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the incident shortly after, saying: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.”
The incident is set to further roil Germany’s domestic politics in the run-up to a critical snap election on Feb. 23. The conservatives are currently leading in polls, but are followed by the anti-immigrant, far-right AfD, which has surged and is being endorsed by billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
AfD Chair Alice Weidel expressed her condolences, adding pointedly “When will this madness end?”
Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), called the news “depressing,” adding: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services who are caring for the injured on site.”
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck also spoke out about the Magdeburg incident, saying: “What terrible news from Magdeburg , where people wanted to spend the Advent season in peace and community. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”