The German police are trying to ascertain the motives of the 50-year-old perpetrator of the attack on . So far, while more than 80 people are hospitalized.
This specific attack has put the German police on red alert, which has increased the measures in place in case the perpetrator finds imitators. Similar measures are expected to be taken by the police of other European countries.
Security measures are being stepped up in Italy
With a circular of immediate application, the Italian Ministry of the Interior asked the local prefects “the strengthening of security measures in all areas with an increased presence of tourists, as well as in open-air Christmas markets”.
These emergency security measures are linked to yesterday’s deadly attack in Germany and the start, on December 24, of the Catholic Holy Year. For this religious event, tens of thousands of believers are expected to flock to the Vatican area, who will attend the opening ceremony of the Jubilee with the participation of Pope Francis.
In a meeting held today at the Ministry of the Interior in Rome with Minister Matteo Piandedozzi and the heads of the police forces, special emphasis was placed on actions to prevent possible “imitators” of the Magdeburg attacker with special reference to the so-called “lone wolves”.
Thousands of people honored the dead
Since Saturday morning, thousands of people have passed by the site of the attack to lay flowers in memory of the five people who lost their lives, but also to pray for those still fighting in hospital.
Simone Borris, the cross-party mayor of Magdeburg, called on her community to stay united despite the shock. “I hope that as a city society we will not let this affect us,” he said at the end of the memorial service at Magdeburg Cathedral. “We mourn together, we support the victims and the relatives of the victims in their mourning and the society of the city please stay united” he said characteristically.
The mayor also thanked everyone for the support the city received from all parts of the country. And he recalled the help and commitment of the emergency services, police and hospitals. “You will probably never be able to erase from your memory those images from yesterday.”
Far-right demonstration at the scene of the attack
At the same time, near the site of the attack, we had a far-right gathering at the invitation of the AfD. “Those who do not love Germany must leave Germany!” shouted the protesters.
According to the police, around 500 people took part in the demonstration, holding banners and shouting slogans. In fact, there was no shortage of tension as a result of which the authorities made two arrests.
