French President Emmanuel Macron has extended his condolences and solidarity to the German nation, in the wake of Friday's devastating car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the town of Magdeburg.
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his "profound shock" at a tragic ramming attack at a German Christmas market, voicing his solidarity with Germany in their time of grief.
The incident, which took place on Friday evening in the town of Magdeburg, claimed the lives of at least five individuals – including a young child – and has left over 200 injured.
Posting on X, Macron remarked: "I share the pain of the German people."
A 50-year-old Saudi man, who has reportedly been living and working in Germany as a doctor for over 20 years, was apprehended at the scene in connection with the attack.
The governor of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, confirmed that the initial death toll of two had risen to five and highlighted the severity of the injuries sustained by nearly 200 individuals, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz noting that 40 are in a critical condition.
Saudi suspect in custody
Media outlets have reportedly identified the suspect as Taleb A., a former psychiatrist known for his anti-Islam rhetoric on social media.
The former Muslim allegedly criticised Islam and supported far-right, anti-immigrant sentiments, including those of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
His online activities portrayed him as an advocate for Saudi women fleeing oppression, and he was vocal about his theory that German authorities mistreat Saudi asylum seekers.
The attack has stunned Germany, prompting grief and fear in a country already familiar with extremist violence.
Such incidents have led to heightened security measures in Christmas markets across Germany.
Nine dead in 'xenophobic' Germany bar shootings
French probe Berlin killers' travels
Security reinforced across Germany
Law enforcement, following rigorous precautions, have maintained a strong presence around the vicinity of the attack, securing the area with officers and police vans stationed at regular intervals.
Verified footage captured the suspect's arrest at a tram stop, where armed police quickly detained him.
Chancellor Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser visited Magdeburg, around 150km west of Berlin, on Saturday in a show of support.
A memorial service was arranged at the city cathedral, and flags were ordered to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for the victims.
The tragedy has rekindled painful memories of past extremist attacks in Germany, most notably the 2016 truck attack in Berlin's Christmas market, which claimed 12 lives and injured 56 more.
