Days after an attacker drove an S.U.V. into a Christmas market in Germany, killing five people, calls for solidarity have given way to political sniping. The attack has been seized on by political leaders looking to position themselves on issues like immigration and security ahead of snap elections in February, according to the New York Times. 

The hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party held a demonstration on Monday in Magdeburg, where the attack occurred. Alice Weidel, the party’s candidate for chancellor, blamed “uncontrolled immigration” for the killings and called for deportations.  Weidel  called  for a change  "so we can finally live once again in security". The crowd responded with calls of "deport them" ,according to news agencies. Her party is currently riding high in the opinion polls ahead of federal elections on February 23. The party is polling second, behind the conservative Christian Democrats.

This attack has brought two big elections issues to the fore, security and immigration, and AfD figures have highlighted both since the attack. Despite the suspect's many statements expressing hostility to Islam, the head of the AfD in Sachsen-Anhalt, Martin Reichardt, said in a statement "the attack in Magdeburg shows that Germany is being drawn into political and religious fanaticism that has its origins in another world".

In a post on X, Weidel said the government's discussion of new security laws following the attack "must not distract from the fact that Magdeburg would not have been possible without uncontrolled immigration. The state must protect its citizens through a restrictive migration policy and consistent deportations!" A counter-demonstration also took place, with anti-racism groups accusing the AfD of exploiting the attack.

David Begrich from Miteinander e.V. said, "In the migrant communities, there is great concern about being made into a scapegoat," he said. "We don't want that. We want to organise solidarity across society, but at the same time we are also sensitive to the voices of those who are now reacting with fear and uncertainty." German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made a plea for national unity, saying "a dark shadow hangs over this Christmas". "Hatred and violence must not have the final word. Let's not allow ourselves to be driven apart. Let's stand together!" he said, according to the Guardian.

Germans are asking how the attack could have happened, when security was already heightened at Christmas markets and when authorities had clearly investigated the suspect several times in recent years.