A counter-demonstration also took place, with anti-racism groups accusing the AfD of exploiting the attack.
David Begrich from Miteinander e.V. said people in the city needed a chance to catch their breath.
“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.
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.
The threat he posed was considered “too unspecific”, according to one assessment, while one tip-off against him in September 2023 appears to have fallen through the cracks.
