Kate Connolly

Elon Musk said that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz should resign immediately because of the Christmas market attack, even though the circumstances have not yet been clarified.

“Scholz should resign immediately,” Musk posted on X in a frontal attack on the German leader, adding: “Incompetent idiot.”

It was his second intervention in German politics in one day. He had previously apparently supported the right-wing populist AfD on X, claiming that it was the only party that could “save Germany”.

The billionaire and advisor to the incoming US President Donald Trump appears to be increasingly trying to influence politics outside the US.

In another post, he shared video footage that apparently showed emergency vehicles at the Magdeburg Christmas market and commented “terrible.”

Musk has repeatedly criticized Germany’s asylum policy and supported the AfD’s insistence on successfully combating irregular migration and increasing deportations of foreign criminals.

Kate Connolly

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who usually prepares his Christmas address to the nation, said in a statement: “The anticipation of a peaceful Christmas was suddenly interrupted by the news from Magdeburg.

“Although all the details behind the terrible act are not yet clear, my thoughts are with the victims and their families. I would like to thank all the rescue workers for their efforts.”

Kate Connolly

The police in Saxony-Anhalt are appealing to the public to upload photos and videos of the incident that could be helpful for the investigation.

The city center remains closed to the public. A suspicious package found in the passenger seat of the black BMW that drove into the market has still not been officially identified, with speculation it may contain explosives.

A hotline has been set up for citizens directly affected by the attack who would like to find out more about their relatives or friends. A dedicated hotline for those seeking information has also been set up at the Magdeburg University Hospital, where many seriously injured people are treated.

Kate Connolly

According to local media, people with less serious injuries are being treated on a tram near the market site that has been converted into a makeshift medical center.

Large hospital tents are also used on the square itself to treat the wounded. The market square is littered with debris from the attack, including overturned chairs, abandoned food, strings of Christmas lights and broken market stalls.

Elsewhere around the square in downtown Magdeburg, the Christmas lights and decorations on display provide a stark contrast to the devastation and carnage left behind by the attack.