Scene of the Christmas market in Magdeburg after the car attack. Photo: BMFTV

The death toll has risen to five and more than 200 people were injured.

Earlier, the Magdeburg city government said flags will be lowered at all city offices. The Christmas market, which was originally scheduled to be open until December 29, was closed early after the attack.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and politicians on Saturday visited the scene of the attack and attended a memorial service for the victims at Magdeburg Cathedral. Scholz pledged that Germany would respond "with the full force of the law." Chancellor Scholz also called for unity as the country is rocked by a fierce debate on immigration and security ahead of elections in February 2025.

On Friday evening, a driver rammed a car into a large crowd of revelers  at the Magdeburg Christmas market. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor living and working in Germany, was restrained by police at the scene and there were no signs of accomplices.