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".

A source close to the Saudi government has told Agence France-Presse that Saudi authorities previously requested the extradition of the main suspect in Friday’s Christmas market attack in Germany, as multiple agencies admitted they had received warnings about him.

Five killed in car-ramming attack at a Christmas market Political tensions in Germany over immigration Popularity of far-right AfD party has been rising MAGDEBURG, Germany, Dec 21 (Reuters) - A spontaneous memorial created by grieving families and local residents at a church overlooking Magdeburg's Christmas market evolved during Saturday into something more politically charged.