A somber memorial service was held on Saturday evening in Magdeburg, Germany, as the city mourned the victims of a devastating car attack at a Christmas market that occurred the previous night. The tragic incident, in which a car rammed into a crowd, claimed the lives of at least five people, including a 9-year-old child, and injured approximately 200 others.
Gathered at the historic Magdeburg Cathedral, relatives of the victims, emergency responders, and invited guests, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, came together to honor those lost in the attack. Outside the cathedral, hundreds of mourners laid flowers and lit candles, creating a poignant tribute to the victims.
At precisely 7:04 p.m., the exact time the attack occurred the previous day, church bells tolled across the city, echoing a collective moment of reflection and grief. The somber tolling served as a stark reminder of the lives abruptly ended and the profound impact on the community.
Horst Walter Nopens, head of the local public prosecutor’s office, confirmed the fatalities and expressed concern over the high number of injuries, noting that many were serious and that the death toll could rise. The lack of barriers on the emergency route used by the perpetrator has raised pressing questions about safety measures at public events.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, describing it as “a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality.” He called for unity and resilience, emphasizing that Germany would respond with “the full force of the law” to bring those responsible to justice.
As Magdeburg grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the city stands united in mourning and determination to support the victims and their families. The incident has prompted a nationwide re-examination of security protocols at public gatherings, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Memorial service held for victims of car attack at German market
cgtn.com
