A 9-year-old child was among five people who died in a collision at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday (20), according to authorities.
The suspect was arrested. He is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, who is said to have been a former Muslim who renounced his faith and developed increasingly anti-Islamic feelings.
The attack takes place less than two months before early elections in the country, amid debates over Germany’s immigration policy.
What we know about the case
Five dead: At least five people died in the attack, including a 9-year-old child, Magdeburg municipal official Ronni Krug said in a statement on Saturday (21). Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed more than 200 injuries, with around 40 in serious condition. Scholz described the number as “unbelievable.”
Suspect’s identity: German media identified the suspect as “Taleb A.”, following German convention not to disclose full names in criminal cases. Horst Walter Nopens, head of the Magdeburg Public Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed the first name. Reuters released an image of the suspect and identified him as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, based on information from the activist organization RAIR Foundation USA.
Anti-Islamic sentiments: The motive for the attack is still being investigated. Nopens said the suspect may be dissatisfied with Germany’s treatment of Saudi refugees. On social media, he appeared to express anti-Islamic views and support for the ultra-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He also reportedly helped Saudis, especially women, leave their home country. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described him as “Islamophobic”.
Amazing Profile: German terrorism expert Peter Neumann expressed surprise at the suspect’s profile. “After 25 years in this ‘business’, you think nothing can surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old ex-Muslim Saudi who lives in eastern Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance of Islamists — that really wasn’t on my radar.”
Saudi Arabia Warnings : Saudi Arabia reportedly sent multiple warnings to German authorities about the suspect, according to two sources with knowledge of the communications. One of the warnings was ignored. Saudi Arabia considers the man a fugitive and requested his extradition in 2007 and 2008, but German authorities refused due to concerns about the suspect’s safety if he returned. Saudi authorities accuse him of harassing Saudis abroad who opposed his political views.
Scholz’s visit to Magdeburg: Scholz traveled to the site of the attack on Saturday, where he met residents and paid tribute to the victims by laying flowers. During a press conference, he called the attack “terrible” and stressed that Germans must “remain united as a country and not let hatred divide us.”
Enhanced security: Berlin is increasing police presence at the city’s Christmas markets following the attack. “Security authorities are in close contact. As a precaution, Berlin police will increase their presence at the city’s Christmas markets,” said Berlin Interior Minister Iris Spranger. The Magdeburg market was closed.
This content was originally published in 9-year-old child is among those killed in attack on Christmas market in Germany on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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