A year on, Magdeburg lights candles for Christmas market attack victims

A chaplain who provides crisis support, a doctor and a woman affected by the attack spoke at a morning service in Magdeburg's Johanniskirche. They highlighted the solidarity and the great willingness to help on the night of the attack.

"One thing it showed us: we are there for each other, we stick together and stand up for ourselves. Despite the terrible crime, we will not let our Christmas be taken from us," the woman said.

Within one minute and four seconds everything changed, she said.

A moment earlier, colourful lights, carousels, children's eyes shining, carefreeness and the scents of mulled wine and pastries had defined the peaceful scene. Then the perpetrator's vehicle hurled people through the air and chaos broke out.

"The screams are still in our heads today," the woman said.

She said the city had been fortunate that many people on site had not hesitated to help, including passers-by, firefighters, nurses, care workers and doctors.

"My personal thanks go to all the rescuers," she added.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to attend an evening commemoration with those affected and victims' relatives and give a speech. Saxony-Anhalt's Premier Reiner Haseloff is also expected.

Afterwards, a chain of lights is to be formed around the old marketplace. At 7:02 pm (1802 GMT), the time of the attack a year ago, the city's church bells will ring. The Christmas market is closed on this Saturday.

On December 20, 2024, a man from Saudi Arabia, who is now on trial, drove a rental car at up to 48 kilometres per hour through the crowd at the Christmas market. A nine-year-old boy and five women aged 45 to 75 were killed. More than 300 other people were injured.