German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed condolences on social media, while President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lamented the interruption of peaceful Christmas. Saxony-Anhalt’s governor called it a catastrophe for the city, state, and nation.

On global level, Nato’s secretary-general General Mark Rutte, the European Commission’s president Ursula von der Leyen, and US Vice President-elect JD Vance, were among the leaders who expressed their sympathies. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack without addressing the suspect’s nationality. (Photo: AP)