Police Describe Arrest, Positive Drug Test and Alleged Strike in Magdeburg Market Attack Trial

Overview

• The court heard from ten police witnesses who recounted the arrest on Ernst-Reuter-Allee, identification photography, and medical examinations after the 2024 attack.
• Post-arrest testing was positive for benzodiazepines and negative for alcohol, with officers noting the drug result could stem from prescribed medication.
• Multiple officers described the accused as cooperative yet rambling, and one said he reacted joyfully when told the state security division had taken over the case.
• At least one witness reported seeing a colleague strike the detainee during the arrest and said the incident was recorded, while injuries and custody handling were documented and video-monitored.
• The trial is scheduled to resume Wednesday to hear the former medical director and co-workers from the Bernburg forensic facility, as victims’ lawyers continue to push for in-person testimony.