Five days before Christmas, Germany has again been plunged into grief. Just after 7 p.m. local time yesterday in the city of Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, a black BMW ploughed through a Christmas market, killing at least two and injuring 68. Hundreds of locals were enjoying the festive market at the time, buying gifts and enjoying the festivities with friends and family. A man has been arrested in connection with the attack.
For many Germans, yesterday’s attack will bring back painful memories
The alleged perpetrator is a 50-year-old psychotherapist originally from Saudi Arabia who had been legally living in Germany since 2006. As of this morning, his motive remained unclear, although the authorities are investigating all possibilities. Preliminary investigations into the suspect’s social media by the German press have begun to reveal a strange fascination with the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. Writing on Twitter eight years ago, the suspect reportedly declared his desire to start an ‘academy for former Muslims’ with the party, as well as endorsing their party leader Alice Weidel as recently as this summer.Â
For many Germans, yesterday’s attack will bring back memories of an eerily similar incident which took place at a Berlin Christmas market almost eight years ago to the day.