Katja Hoyer Katja Hoyer

How the Magdeburg Christmas market attack will change Germany

Hundreds were injured and at least five killed at the Magdeburg market (Getty images)

More than 200 people were injured and at least five lost their lives after a man ploughed a car into crowds at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg last night. Among those who were indiscriminately murdered was a small child.

Like many Germans, I felt a deep, burning anger rising in me when I heard about the incident. It immediately brought back sickening memories of the 2016 Christmas market attack in Berlin in which 13 people were killed and dozens injured. My sister worked very closely nearby that day. I remember texting ‘Are you okay?’ with a shaky hand and waiting agonising minutes before her reply finally came. It was sheer luck that she and her colleagues had decided not to go to the Christmas market that day.

Like many Germans, I felt a deep, burning anger rising in me when I heard about the incident

The incident shocked Germany deeply.

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