At least five people, including a 9-year-old child, were killed in a vehicle-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday, officials confirmed Saturday.
The other four victims were adults. More than 200 others were injured when a car plowed into the crowded market, with 41 in critical condition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
The market has been closed for the rest of the season, according to police. Authorities arrested a suspect, a Saudi Arabian doctor in his 50s who has lived in Germany since 2006. Police believe he acted alone, using a rental car to drive into the market. The suspect is facing five counts of murder and grievous bodily harm.
Emergency services responded swiftly, stopping the suspect within three minutes of the attack.
Officials are investigating the motive, which may relate to dissatisfaction with Germany’s treatment of refugees, though this has not been confirmed.
The suspect has undergone medical and psychological evaluations, with results pending.
U.S. law enforcement sources indicated that German authorities are treating the incident as terrorism. In a statement, the U.S. State Department extended condolences and offered support to Germany.
Chancellor Scholz also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, praising the swift response of emergency services.
This attack comes nearly eight years after a similar incident in Berlin, where a truck was driven into a Christmas market, killing 13 and injuring dozens.
U.S. officials have cautioned about the risk of vehicle-ramming attacks during the festive season, prompting increased security measures in public spaces like holiday markets.
