December 21, 2024 - Coverage of the Germany Christmas market attack

What we covered here • Holiday joy turns to horror: At least five people have been killed — including a 9-year-old child — after a car plowed into a bustling Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday. Over 200 people were injured, including about 40 people with critical injuries, according to authorities. • What we know about the suspect: The suspected attacker is a 50-year-old doctor originally from Saudi Arabia who officials say has lived in Germany since 2006. He is believed to be a former Muslim who renounced his faith and became increasingly anti-Islam. Prosecutors said he may have been unhappy with how Germany treats Saudi refugees, but they are still determining his motive. • Previous warnings: Saudi authorities warned their German counterparts about the suspect multiple times, sources told CNN. Saudi Arabia considers him a fugitive and previously requested his extradition, a source said, adding that German authorities refused due to concerns for the man’s safety there. • City left in grief and anger: A constant stream of mourners has been laying flowers and candles near the market, as tensions run high among residents over security. In a visit to the site, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the German people “need to stick together as a country and not let hatred divide us.”