The German Christmas market attack in Magdeburg has left a community in mourning, with one mother’s emotional tribute to her nine-year-old son capturing the nation’s grief. Andre Gleissner was among five victims who lost their lives when a vehicle drove through crowds of holiday shoppers on Friday evening.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Farewell
In a poignant Facebook post that has resonated across social media, Desiree Gleissner shared her anguish over the loss of her son. “Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again,” she wrote, referring to her beloved Andre. “He was only with us on earth for nine years… why you… why. I don’t understand.”
The Impact on the Community
The attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market has sent shockwaves through Germany, resulting in:
- Five confirmed fatalities
- Over 200 injured individuals
- A massive emergency response operation
- Enhanced security measures at other Christmas markets nationwide
Security Response and Investigation
According to Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com), German authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is working closely with local law enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Support for Victims and Families
The city of Magdeburg has established a crisis response center, providing psychological support and assistance to affected families. For more information about victim support services, visit the official Magdeburg city website (www.magdeburg.de).
Community Response
Local religious leaders and community associations have organised vigils and memorial services. The Deutsche Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross) has rallied volunteers to provide additional support to those affected by this tragedy.
Moving Forward
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, Desiree Gleissner’s touching words remind us of the human cost of such senseless violence: “You will always live on in our hearts… I promise you that.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to prevent similar incidents at Christmas markets across Germany. For the latest updates on market security measures, visit the Federal Ministry of the Interior website (www.bmi.bund.de).
