German Justice Minister Volker Wissing has pledged additional support for the victims of the Magdeburg attack. “Our state must stand by those affected by the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market. This requires additional budget allocations of up to 25 million euros” he said on Wednesday.
The minister announced that the federal government will brief the German Bundestag’s budget committee on the matter today and will use the approved funds to specifically support those who lost loved ones, were injured, or traumatized in the attack.
Financial assistance from federal funds cannot undo the devastating harm inflicted on the victims, Wissing emphasized. “However, it gives expression to state solidarity and empathy. Given the exceptional nature of the attack, I believe it is important that the victims receive the same support as state compensation for terror victims.”
According to the current state of the investigation, the Magdeburg attacker primarily acted out of personal motives rather than political ones. The minister stressed that the focus is now on ensuring that the support reaches the victims quickly, so they can feel the state’s continued support.