This is Magdeburg, the city in Germany where the Christmas market attack took place: Where is it and what happened?

Magdeburg, the capital of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, has recently been in the news due to a tragic incident involving a car driving into a crowded Christmas market.

The event, which authorities suspect was an intentional attack, has so far resulted in a death and numerous injuries. The driver of the car was arrested following the incident. According to reports, the city’s University Hospital was treating at least 65 patients, with preparations for potentially more arrivals. The scene was described as horrific, with emergency services responding quickly to the incident.

Taleb A., a 50-year-old medical doctor from Saudi Arabia, has been named as the suspect. While no motive has been revealed, his Twitter account is virulently anti-Muslim and a supporter of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The governor of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, described the event as “a dreadful incident, especially in the days leading up to Christmas,” and Chancellor Olaf Scholz offered his solidarity with the victims and their families.

More about Magdeburg

The city is situated in central Germany along the Elbe River. The city has a rich history dating back to the early 9th century when it was established by a group of local military personnel on a strategically important spot.

Over the centuries, Magdeburg has played a significant role in European history, particularly during the Middle Ages when it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in Germany and a member of the Hanseatic League. The city is also notable for being the burial place of Otto I, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and for its association with Otto von Guericke, who conducted his famous experiments with the Magdeburg hemispheres here in 1656.

Today, Magdeburg is a city of around 236,000 inhabitants and serves as a centre of education and culture. It is home to two major universities: the Otto von Guericke University and the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal. The city boasts a mix of historical and modern architecture, including the Cathedral of Magdeburg, one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Germany, and modern landmarks like the Millennium Tower.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.