Authorities Investigate Saudi Doctor as Suspect in Germany Christmas Market Attack

Magdeburg: A Saudi national has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening. The deliberate attack claimed the lives of five people and left around 200 others injured, spreading panic and grief during the festive season, according to Associated Press (AP). 

Who is Taleb A, Prime Suspect in German Market Attack?

The prime suspect in the recent attack in Magdeburg in Germany, is a 50-year-old man who immigrated from Saudi Arabia to Germany in 2006, as per reports. Though police haven’t made the name of suspect public, several German news outlets identified him as Taleb A., withholding his last name in line with privacy laws. AP, citing local media, reported that the suspect is a psychiatry and psychotherapy specialist. The suspect had been working as a doctor in the town of Bernburg, about 36 kilometers south of Magdeburg.

The authorities have warned that the death could rise as the attack injured 41 people badly and killed a 9-year-old and four adults.

Saxony-Anhalt's Governor, Reiner Haseloff, assured the public that there is currently no further threat to the city, stating that, based on current information, the suspect is believed to have acted alone, AP reported. 

This incident comes eight years after a similar attack in Berlin, when an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was later shot and killed in Italy.

Taleb's X Account Describes Him as Former Muslim 

Taleb’s X account describes him as a former Muslim. It is filled with tweets and retweets focusing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion, while sharing congratulatory notes to Muslims who left the faith. He was critical of German authorities, saying they had failed to do enough to combat the “Islamism of Europe.” He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Incident at Magdeburg's Old Market

The attack occurred around 7:04 PM at the Magdeburg Christmas market in the Old Market area, near the Town Hall and close to the River Elbe. Eyewitnesses reported a dark BMW suddenly speeding into the crowd of holiday shoppers, causing chaos and destruction. Many described scenes of terror as the car ploughed through stalls and people, leaving a trail of injured victims.  

Scenes of Panic and Destruction

Graphic footage from the scene, though too distressing to share widely, captured the horrifying moments as bystanders scrambled for safety. Victims lay sprawled on the ground amidst overturned stalls and scattered goods. Witnesses described screams, panic, and the sound of the car hitting people as it sped through the market.  

Motive behind Killings Yet To Be Ascertained

The officials are yet to determine the motive behind this deliberate act. The identity of the victims and details of their conditions have not yet been released yet.  

Soon after the horror unfolded, emergency response teams rushed to the spot and provided medical aid to the injured and shifted them to nearby hospitals. The area was cordoned off, and investigators launched probe, examining the vehicle and surrounding evidence to uncover the motive.  

Festive Spirit Shattered

The attack has left the city of Magdeburg in shock, raising concerns about safety during public gatherings. As Germany mourns the loss of lives, authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the incident.  

(With AP inputs)