Despite the suspect's many statements expressing hostility to Islam, the head of the AfD in Sachsen-Anhalt, Martin Reichardt, said in a statement "the attack in Magdeburg shows that Germany is being drawn into political and religious fanaticism that has its origins in another world".

Racist attacks against migrants have come in the wake of the deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg. Observers warn of Germany's extreme-right scene mobilizing over the incident.