Shock in Germany after the tragic fatal accident that took place last night at a Christmas market from Magdeburg, to the east of the country. The incident, which left at least four dead and dozens injured, has been classified by authorities as a terrorist attack. The alleged perpetrator, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, has already been arrested.
© GTRESThe attack took place around 7:00 p.m. on Friday, when a black BMW drove at high speed into the Magdeburg Christmas market, located in the city center. The vehicle, a rental and with a Munich license plate, traveled approximately 400 meters charging into the crowd gathered there. Among the fatalities are a man and a minor, as reported by the Prime Minister of Saxony Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, in statements to the media at the scene of the tragedy. Currently, there are 41 seriously injured and 200 in total.
© GTRESFor many, this attack has served to open old wounds and remind them that In 2016 Germany experienced a similar tragedy around these dates. However, on that occasion it was in the country’s capital, Berlin, where 12 people died and 48 were injured when they were run over by a truck at a Christmas market.
© GTRESThe perpetrator of the attack
The alleged perpetrator of the attack has been identified as Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old doctor, of Saudi origin and with no police record, who has resided in Germany since 2006; He was recognized as a refugee in 2016. Currently, he had a permanent residence permit in the country. According to the Minister of the Interior of Saxony Anhalt, Tamara Zieschang, he acted alone and He lived in Bernburg, about 50 kilometers from Magdeburg. According to German media, he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and worked in a clinic in this city, although in recent weeks, as indicated by a local newspaper, he had missed work due to medical leave.
© GTRESA few minutes after the attack, the Saudi was arrested and has been in police custody since then. The governor of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, has indicated that the attack could be politically motivated, although the exact reasons are still unclear. Al Abdulmohsen had expressed his rejection of Islamization on social networks and had published critical opinions about German immigration policy. However, his profile does not match that of an Islamic extremist and the police did not have him registered as such.
Events in Magdeburg in honor of the victims
This same Saturday afternoon, in the city cathedral, a religious service in memory of the fatal victims of the accident, as confirmed by the Mayor of Magdeburg, Simone Borriswho has expressed his hope that citizens will once again live together in peace after what will be a “long phase of mourning.”
For its part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz He plans to visit Magdeburg this Saturday to meet with local authorities and the families of the victims. And he has assured that they will work hard to clarify the facts.
For the moment, the Magdeburg Christmas Market, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, has been temporarily closed while authorities continue the investigation. Police have asked witnesses to send photographs and videos of the incident that may help them. In addition, police presence has been increased at other Christmas markets in the region to ensure the safety of visitors.
International condolences
After hearing the news, the international community has shown his condolences to the german people with multiple messages of love and respect to the victims and injured after the fatal accident.
He Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, country from which the alleged perpetrator of the events originates, has openly condemned the attack and has expressed its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. For his part, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, He has been deeply shocked by what happened and has expressed his solidarity with the victims, injured people and their families. “France shares the pain of the German people and expresses all its solidarity,” he said. He British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the attack as “horrifying” and has offered its support to the German authorities to clarify what happened.
© GTRESHe President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, He said he was “shocked by the terrible accident.” This was indicated in a message on X, where he also reported that he had had a conversation with the German Chancellor in which he expressed his “solidarity” and “affection” to the victims.
From the European Union messages of solidarity and support for Germany also arrive, such as that of President of the European Council, António Costa who is “dismayed by the horrible news from Magdeburg. The EU stands in solidarity with Germany,” he noted. For her part, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has conveyed her “deepest condolences to the family and friends” of the victims.