Investigation committee on the Magdeburg attack: over 100 witnesses invited!

Investigation committee on the Magdeburg attack: over 100 witnesses invited!

Magdeburg, Deutschland - On February 7, 2025, the state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt set up an investigation committee that deals with the devastating attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market on December 20, 2024. Under the chair of Karin Tschernich-Weiske (CDU), this committee will extensively illuminate the background of the attack, in which a perpetrator from Saudi Arabia killed six people and around 300 other injuries. The goal is to obtain a detailed overview of the fact that the event affected, first aiders and police officers and to review the security precautions of the event. Up to 150 witnesses could be heard as part of these surveys.

Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff (CDU) announced the establishment of the committee in a government statement on January 22, 2025. He described the attack as the "turning point in the history of our country" and showed solidarity with the victims and their relatives. The state parliament unanimously voted for the establishment of the committee of inquiry, whose work should be completed by December 2026. An important aspect will be the information situation as a perpetrator who was already in contact with the authorities before the crime.

demands for more security

Haseloff spoke in favor of tightening the legal regulations, in particular for an extended definition of the term “endanger” and the establishment of a uniform police data platform. He also urged more comprehensive controls and faster deportations of people who pose a threat to public security. According to Haseloff, however, no general xenophobia may arise; Rather, the integration of people of foreign origin must be promoted more.

In the political discourse, the AfD parliamentary group called for the resignation of Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) and sharply criticized the security authorities for their failure. In contrast, the CDU parliamentary group leader Guido Heuer rejected the allegations and called for a precise identification of the errors in dealing with the perpetrator. The SPD and FDP faction leaders emphasized the need for a smooth flow of information between the various authorities. Left faction leader Eva von Angern was committed to a thorough process and warned of a "ping pong game" in responsibility.

security concept under the magnifying glass

A comprehensive evaluation of the security concept of the Christmas market will be essential. Cornelia Lüddemann, leader of the Greens faction, called for a detailed examination of the psychosocial care of those affected. Security expert Olaf Jastrob has also pointed out the importance of well -planned security at city festivals. After the Duisburg love parade disaster, a lot had changed, but there were still gaps in the safety planning that should be closed.

Event manager must qualify and have extensive knowledge in order to be able to react appropriately in emergency situations. It is crucial that security strategies are individually adjusted and are not generalized. Jastrob also calls for analytical, instead of reactive thinking for terrorist attacks to prevent future incidents. The police are responsible for the security measures at larger events, and the role of the blue light organizations must also be clearly defined in emergencies In summary, it is clear that the tragic events in Magdeburg require a profound examination of security issues. The committee of inquiry will provide central knowledge in the coming months that are decisive not only for the processing of the events, but also for future security concepts.

For more information about the procedure of the committee of inquiry and the political reactions to the attack, visit the articles of , Tagesschau and Kommunal.de .