A Saudi doctor who previously posted “anti-Islam” views online has been arrested after a car smashed into a crowd at a German Christmas market.
The attack has killed at least two people, including a young child, while almost 70 were injured following the attack last night.
A BMW drove through the market’s barriers in the German city of Magdeburg, driving directly into the crowds just after 7pm local time.
Police have now arrested a suspect, 50, who is a doctor originally from Saudi Arabia, and who has lived in Germany since 2006, according to Reiner Haseloff, the premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
A BMW drove through the market’s barriers in the German city of Magdeburg, driving directly into the crowds just after 7pm local time
REUTERS
“As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city,” Haseloff said.
“This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas.”
Keir Starmer has said that he was “horrified” by the “atrocious attack”, saying in a statement: “My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected.
“We stand with the people of Germany.”
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The suspect had been working in a nearby town which was about about 25 miles (40km) away from the city.
German media outlets have named the suspect as Taleb A – or Taleb Al Abdulmohsen.
Social media posts made using that name has depicted anti-Islamic views, warned of Germany’s Islamisation, and complained over “persecution”.
German reports claim that the suspect was not known as an Islamist extremist, while social media and online posts suggest he had been critical of Islam.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that his thoughts were “with the victims and their families”
REUTERS
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the attack, calling it “heinous” and offering solidarity with the people of Germany.
“The Kingdom condemns this heinous act and stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” a statement from the ministry said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that his thoughts were “with the victims and their families.”
However, in the wake of the attack, billionaire Elon Musk has urged Scholz to “immediately resign”, dubbing the Chancellor an “incompetent fool”.