Chaos erupted at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Eastern Germany, on Friday when a car plowed into a crowd, leaving several dead and over 200 injured. Authorities are treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack and are actively investigating. Many of the injured are in critical condition.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the incident as an "attack," expressing condolences and solidarity with Germany.

Magdeburg police identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, believed to be acting alone. Reports indicate the driver traversed approximately 400 meters through the market before being apprehended by police.

Local authorities confirmed extensive police operations at the market, which was subsequently closed. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences and thanked first responders.

This tragic event evokes memories of past attacks, notably the 2016 Berlin Christmas market truck attack that claimed 12 lives. Last month, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser encouraged vigilance while attending Christmas markets, despite no specific threats.