The country’s vice chancellor voiced fears that the attack will fuel online misinformation ahead of a national election expected in late February.
MAGDEBURG, Germany — Mourners laid flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack on Monday as investigators puzzled over the motive of the suspect and fears swirled that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society.
The Johanniskirche, a church a short walk from the scene of the attack, has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening, killing five people. A carpet of flowers now covers the broad sidewalk in front of the church.
Prosecutors said the number of injured has risen to as many as 235 as more people have reported to hospitals and doctors, but it’s possible there was some double-counting.
Authorities have identified the suspectas a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received …