Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized

Despite the suspect's many statements expressing hostility to Islam, the head of the AfD in Sachsen-Anhalt, Martin Reichardt, said in a statement "the attack in Magdeburg shows that Germany is being drawn into political and religious fanaticism that has its origins in another world".

The Johanniskirche, a church located just a short distance from where the attack unfolded, has emerged as the focal point for mourners since Friday evening's tragedy, when a car plowed into the bustling Christmas market, claiming five lives. The sidewalk outside the church is now blanketed with a sea of flowers, a somber tribute to the victims.

A least one person has been killed and dozens injured in the incident, according to German public broadcaster MDR

At least five people are now known to have been killed in the vehicle-ramming attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday.

Germany searched on Monday for answers on possible security lapses after a man drove his car into a Christmas market, killing at least five people and casting a renewed spotlight on security and immigration ahead of a snap election.

Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect

Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect.

As Christmas coincided with the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration that he dedicated to hope, Francis called for broad reconciliation, “even (with) our enemies.”

At the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration he dedicated to hope, Francis called for broad reconciliation “even (with) our enemies.”