Attacker drives truck through crowded Christmas market in Berlin, 12 killed (Update: Being investigated as terrorism)

Update: Berlin police have updated the number of people killed in today’s attack:

Advertisement

There is also a report that the driver of the truck was a refugee:

Update: Trump’s statement on the attack:

Update: U.S. issues statement condemning apparent terror attack. From the Guardian:

The United States condemns in the strongest terms what appears to have been a terrorist attack on a Christmas Market in Berlin, Germany, which has killed and wounded dozens. We send our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those killed, just as we wish a speedy recovery to all of those wounded. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Germany. We have been in touch with German officials, and we stand ready to provide assistance as they recover from and investigate this horrific incident. Germany is one of our closest partners and strongest allies, and we stand together with Berlin in the fight against all those who target our way of life and threaten our societies.

Advertisement

Update: From CNN, this is being investigated as a terror attack though that conclusion has not been reached yet:

Update: From the Berlin police:

[End update]

Nine people have been killed and at least 50 injured in what police are now saying looks like an attack similar to the one that took place in Nice, France earlier this year.

Advertisement

Witness Emma Rushton described the scene to Sky News, “We heard a really loud bang and saw some of the Christmas lights to our left started to be pulled down. And then we saw the articulated vehicle going through people and through the stalls and just pulling everything down and then everything went dark.” She added, “There was lots of screaming, there were lots of people yelling.”

German police are saying this appears to be an attack though they have yet to identify a motive. Fox News is reporting that there were two people inside the truck:

The driver of the truck fled the scene but Reuters is now reporting a suspect has been arrested:

In November the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for Europe, suggesting people be especially wary of areas where large crowds gather:

Advertisement

“Credible information indicates the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL the U.S. gov’t acronym for ISIS or Da’esh), al-Qaeda, and their affiliates continue to plan terrorist attacks in Europe, with a focus on the upcoming holiday season and associated events,” the travel advisory read.

The State Department urged travelers to avoid large crowds and exercise caution at tourist sites, festivals, large holiday events and outdoor markets. The agency also warned that these attacks can come with little or no warning

A similar attack took place in Nice, France on July 14th. A driver later identified as Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel killed 86 people by driving a truck through a crown of people watching fireworks on Bastille Day. Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was shot and killed by police while still inside the truck.

There was also a similar attack at Ohio State University last month.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement