Car Plows Through Shoppers at German Christmas Market, Leaving Casualties (GRAPHIC VIDEO)

A tragic incident unfolds as a car mows down shoppers at a Christmas market in Germany, causing casualties and widespread panic. Viewer discretion is advised for graphic content.

On Friday evening, a black BMW drove into the bustling Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, resulting in at least two fatalities and injuring up to 70 people. Authorities reported that the driver was identified as a doctor from Saudi Arabia and taken into custody at the scene.

Reiner Haseloff, the Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, confirmed that a small child was among the two deceased individuals. Initially, BILD reported from its sources that as many as 11 people might have died; however, they later stated there were conflicting reports regarding the death toll.

According to Saxony-Anhalt’s interior minister, Tamara Zieschang, the suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and holds a permanent residence permit. Haseloff mentioned that the perpetrator was driving a rental car.

The investigation into the driver’s motive is still in progress, with local media indicating that authorities are considering the incident a potential terrorist attack. Police are examining whether he acted independently.

The attack took place at 7:04 PM local time when the vehicle allegedly accelerated through 400 meters of the festive market near the city’s historic town hall, causing panicked shoppers to scatter in all directions. Witnesses reported that the car drove straight into the crowd as terrified screams resonated throughout the street.

Paramedics quickly arrived at the scene and set up emergency tents to provide medical attention for those injured. The initial group of patients, numbering between 10 and 20 individuals, was taken to University Hospital Magdeburg, where extra intensive care beds had been arranged in preparation.

An unverified graphic video on social media depicts a car crashing into a crowded market. Another video shows individuals lying on the ground amidst heavy police presence in the area, though its authenticity is also uncertain.

“This is a devastating event, particularly during the days leading up to Christmas,” said Haseloff, who visited Magdeburg to evaluate the situation. “The images are horrific,” added city spokesman Michael Reif.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conveyed his condolences on social media, stating: “The news from Magdeburg seems troubling. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with them and the people of Magdeburg.”

Political leaders nationwide expressed their shock. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, stated: “The news from Magdeburg is truly devastating. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I am grateful to the emergency services for attending to those injured.”

AfD leader Alice Weidel commented: “The images from Magdeburg are deeply disturbing. My thoughts go out to the injured and those who have lost loved ones. When will this madness come to an end?”

Authorities have shut down the Christmas market and are advising people to stay away from the area. “Please allow emergency services to do their job by leaving the market calmly,” organizers cautioned on Instagram.

Magdeburg, situated to the west of Berlin, serves as the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt and has a population of approximately 240,000.