Car plows into Leipzig pedestrian zone – two dead and several injured

Reactions from politicians and authorities

Leipzig’s Mayor Burkhard Jung expressed shock at the incident, calling it verbatim „eine fürchterliche Tragödie hat sich heute in Leipzig ereignet“ ("a terrible tragedy occurred in Leipzig today"). The city is in shock over the events, Jung added.

Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer also commented, referring to it as a „mutmassliche Amokfahrt“ ("suspected rampage attack"). The state government is in close contact with investigators to clarify the circumstances.

Grimmaische Strasse, one of Leipzig’s busiest shopping streets, was cordoned off over a wide area after the incident. Emergency services and police were deployed in large numbers to treat the injured and question witnesses. The exact number of injured remains unclear, as some individuals initially sought medical care on their own.

Impact on the city

The incident caused widespread horror in Leipzig. Many passersby and residents were shocked by images of the devastated pedestrian zone. The city announced it would provide psychological support for eyewitnesses and those affected.

Police urged witnesses to come forward while emphasizing that no additional suspects are being sought. Authorities are currently assessing whether additional safety measures in pedestrian zones are necessary.

The identities of the two deceased have not yet been released pending notification of their families. Leipzig’s public prosecutor’s office took over the investigation and announced a press conference for the following day.