By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-21 12:16:26 | Updated at 2024-12-21 16:37:06
4 hours ago
A journalist has criticised the presence of armed police at Christmas markets, stating it goes against British values and the festive spirit.
Speaking to GB News, journalist Alys Denby expressed her unease about heightened security measures at seasonal markets.
Her comments come as Germany was struck by tragedy when a car ploughed through a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening.
Five people, including a toddler, were killed in the incident, with more than 200 others injured.
She added: "I think we should feel safe. I mean, it's difficult to get my head around the idea of having armed police at the Christmas market because, as I say, it's supposed to be about joy and family and happiness.
"It doesn't seem like that really alines with British values I don't think it would make me feel particularly safe.
"I'm going to a Christmas market with my daughter today, we have to just carry on as normal. Otherwise we let terrorists win. "
Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff has warned the death toll could rise further, given the number of serious injuries.
The suspect has been identified by local media as Taleb A, a 50-year-old psychotherapist from Saudi Arabia who has been legally residing in Germany since 2006.
Preliminary investigations into the suspect's social media activity have revealed connections to the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
German press reports indicate that eight years ago, the suspect expressed desires to establish an "academy for former Muslims" with the AfD.
The journalist said that "armed police don’t align with British values"
GB News
The incident is being treated as a "lone wolf" terror attack, according to regional government spokesman Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif.
Magdeburg's city councillor for public order, Ronni Krug, has declared that the Christmas market will remain closed, stating that "Christmas in Magdeburg is over," as reported by German public broadcaster MDR.
Additionally, the interior ministry announced earlier today that official buildings in Saxony-Anhalt, the German state where Magdeburg serves as the capital, will lower their flags to half-mast in memory of those who lost their lives in the attack.
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