Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims amid fears of social divisions

St John’s Church has become a focal point for mourners (Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa via AP)

Mourners have laid flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack in Madgeburg 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 pavement in front of the church.