President Sergio Mattarella conveyed Italy’s solidarity with Germany after the attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday. In a message to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Mattarella condemned the attack and expressed Italy’s closeness to the German people.
“News of the treacherous attack against the Christmas market in Magdeburg sparks horror and unanimous condemnation in Italians,” Mattarella wrote. “I immediately desire to express these feelings to you, Mister President and dear friend, and to all your compatriots. In this dramatic circumstance, the Italian Republic is close to the German population with convinced and sincere participation.”
Following the attack Italian authorities ordered increased security measures at tourist sites, Christmas markets, and other sensitive locations. A circular from the central police department called for the “immediate strengthening” of security at areas with high tourist and commercial activity. This includes venues hosting entertainment events and other at-risk sites.
Police have also intensified investigative activities to prevent potential attacks, according to well-informed sources.
No Italians among the dead or injured
Italy’s embassy in Berlin confirmed on Saturday that no Italians were reported among the victims or injured. The embassy stated it would continue monitoring the situation.
Local authorities in Magdeburg reported the suspect, 50-year-old Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi citizen who moved to Germany in 2006, had been arrested. The suspect, who worked as a doctor, is accused of intentionally driving a car into a crowd at the market.
“The judge ordered pre-trial detention for five counts of murder, multiple attempted murder, and multiple counts of dangerous bodily harm,” Magdeburg police said in a statement.
The four women killed in the attack were aged 45, 52, 67, and 75, according to police. A nine-year-old boy was also killed. Investigations are ongoing into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.
