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Philadelphia Christmas Village Visitors React To Tragedy In Berlin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a festive atmosphere at the Christmas Village at City Hall in Philadelphia. Folks taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. But thoughts of the tragedy in Berlin Germany aren't far from the minds of some shoppers.

"I was just there two years ago," said Teresa Candalieria. She used to work at Philadelphia's Christmas Village and has visited the market that is now riddled with death and destruction in Berlin.

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Like most, it's hard to shake the images after a truck plowed through the crowded Christmas market Monday night. At last count, 12 dead and nearly 50 injured in what the White House is now describing as an apparent terrorist attack.

Philadelphia police have stepped up security on the heels of the attack in Germany.

"At most cities in Germany, you'll find lots of tourists and locals at Christmas markets this time of the year," said Honorary German Consul in Philadelphia, Ralf Wiedemann. He expressed deep concern saying "it's quite distressing."

"It makes you want to hug your little ones even tighter," said Brian and Kelly White, visiting from Pittsburgh.

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