15-year-old Niclas fights for his life after Magdeburg attack!

15-year-old Niclas fights for his life after Magdeburg attack!

On December 20, 2024, a heavy attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, in which six people were lost and almost 300 were injured, occurred seriously. Among the injured is 15-year-old Niclas Brauer from Peine, who has suffered several broken bones due to the attack. He is currently fighting for his survival in a rehabilitation facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, where he receives physiotherapy and occupational therapy treatments.

Niclas suffered injuries to the pool, on the hip, both thighs, the right upper arm, the right ankle and heels. During his rehabilitation measures, he managed to keep his left leg for almost a minute. However, his situation remains critical because he depends on help and the uncertainty about his future skills, such as sitting, standing, standing and running, represents great psychological stress for him. Further operations are planned, and his next hospital stay in the Magdeburg University Hospital is on March 12, 2025.

the perpetrator and the background of the attack

The alleged perpetrator, a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, is in custody and sees severe allegations, including murder and attempted murder. He had been in Magdeburg several times in November and December 2024, possibly even in the Maritim Hotel. The investigators have indications that the perpetrator was dissatisfied with the handling of Saudi Arabian refugees, which is considered as a motive for the crime. It was also reported that he was under the influence of drugs and warned Germany before him.

The latest events have also led to a public mourning reaction. On December 21, 2024, the west portal of the Johanniskirche became a memorial location, where people laid out flowers, candles and plush toys. A vigil and a memorial service attracted numerous participants, including top German politicians such as Federal President Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz.

security concepts and future measures

The security situation on Christmas markets in Germany has established itself as a central topic in the face of the attack and comparable incidents. Experts criticize the effectiveness of existing protective measures, since Christmas markets are often considered potential goals for terrorist attacks. According to the protection of the constitution, the security concepts must be improved urgently, since many of the concrete bollards used are not effective and could even increase the risk because they are not set up in accordance with the standards.

The Christmas market in Magdeburg in particular was protected from the tragedy by security measures such as concrete blocks, which was defended by Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang on December 22, 2024. Nevertheless, there is concern that inadequate security standards and lack of experience in the approval of events endanger citizens. The experts demand that security concepts are created by certified companies in order to minimize the risk of walking customers.

In addition, the family of Niclas Braun joined a class action lawsuit and hired a lawyer to fight for the well -being of those affected. Virtual participation of teaching is made possible by a school tablet for Niclas, while his classmates and teachers plan to visit him in rehabilitation. In this context, a parliamentary committee of inquiry will meet the attack in the state parliament on Thursday.

The grief of the victims and the search for answers to the question of how such a devastating attack could be done remain of the greatest importance for the people in Magdeburg and beyond.