Magdeburg reminds: those affected by the Christmas market attack meet

Magdeburg reminds: those affected by the Christmas market attack meet

Around 270 people affected by the tragic attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market gathered for a closed meeting in the city on September 15, 2025. Mayor Simone Borris (independent) said that the exchange among the participants, which also included city and state representatives as well as representatives of aid organizations, was very much appreciated. The focus of the meeting was on information about support offers and discussions about planned events. The security concept for the Christmas market hardly played a role; Many participants were aware that absolute security does not exist and showed understanding for the challenges.

A feeling of sadness and shock continues to prevail in the state capital following the attack that left six people dead - including a nine-year-old boy and five women aged 45 to 75 - and over 300 others injured on December 20, 2024. The perpetrator, a 50-year-old man named Taleb A. from Saudi Arabia, drove over the Christmas market in a vehicle. The sad memories of that day weigh on the community and feedback from participants at the recent meeting was mostly positive, although some found the timing problematic as it was deliberately set far from the anniversary of the attack. Another meeting will take place around the anniversary on December 20th in St. John's Church.

Long-term support necessary

At the end of April 2025, the Federal Victims Commissioner Roland Weber had already registered 1,600 people affected, including survivors, injured people and people who were present at the crime scene at the time of the attack - excluding professional rescue workers. This highlights how important it is to provide early and sustained support. Weber emphasized that several million euros must be available to provide adequate help for the survivors. There are currently around 800 such affected people active in the city, and discussions have already taken place with 230 of them.

The alleged attacker's motive remains unclear and a psychiatric report has been commissioned. In order to shed light on possible omissions and errors, a parliamentary investigative committee in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament is working on the case. Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff also announced measures to improve security standards, including a Federal Council initiative to better network security services.

Remembrance and community

Meanwhile, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is planning a visit to Magdeburg to commemorate the victims. A sea of ​​flowers in front of St. John's Church, which serves as a central memorial site, speaks volumes about the grief that the city is still experiencing. Steinmeier will not only sign the condolence book, but will also personally speak to victims and helpers and give a speech at the crime scene. These gestures are important to strengthen community and show survivors that they are not alone.

In addition, the victim support organization WEISSE RING has offered its support to provide those affected with lasting help. Their volunteers are available to provide help in exceptional situations and to develop important strategies for dealing with such traumatic experiences. The work of the WEISSER RING is designed to provide quick and victim-friendly care after major events.

The city of Magdeburg must now face the challenge of drawing strength from grief and sending a strong signal of community and support in order to pave the way to healing for the victims and their relatives. For more information, see the reports from tagesschau.de, zdfheute.de and praeventionstag.de read up.