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.

Anyone who does not like Germany should leave Germany immediately, said Alice Weidel, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany party, candidate for chancellor, speaking to demonstrators in Magdeburg the day before.

At least two people are dead and over 60 people have been injured, local officials said. Latest updates.

Racist attacks against migrants have come in the wake of the deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg. Observers warn of Germany's extreme-right scene mobilizing over the incident.

The far right, polling second in voting intention with 19%, is trying to take electoral advantage of the incident two months before the general elections, ignoring the fact that the attacker sympathiz

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

Nonetheless, shortly after the attack, the extreme-right scene in Germany began to antagonize migrants. "I have never experienced such a hostile and threatening environment," said a student studying automotive engineering in Magdeburg,

Pilgrims lined up to walk through the great Holy Door at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as Christmas marks the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration.

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.”