Saudi Arabian doctor has been arrested after allegedly driving his car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuring hundreds more.
The suspect, identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist, was apprehended by German police in a dramatic arrest captured on video.
The attack occurred on the evening of December 20, 2024, when al-Abdulmohsen reportedly drove a rented BMW through the bustling market, leaving a trail of devastation. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as the vehicle plowed through the festive gathering, with one bystander recounting, "There was a dead man lying next to me the whole time. I had a man in my arms who had an open fracture and his foot was hanging to the side."
Authorities have confirmed that among the deceased were an adult and a toddler, while 41 people sustained critical injuries. An additional 86 individuals are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries, and 78 others suffered minor injuries.
Reiner Haseloff, the governor of Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdeburg is located, stated, "Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many." He assured the public that al-Abdulmohsen acted alone, adding, "As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city."
Al-Abdulmohsen, who fled Saudi Arabia in 2006 and gained refugee status in Germany in 2016, has been living in Bernburg, approximately 28 miles southeast of Magdeburg.
Reports indicate that he had posted extremist views on social media, prompting warnings from Saudi authorities to their German counterparts.
The Christmas market, a popular attraction featuring 140 stalls, an ice skating rink, and a ferris wheel, was scheduled to remain open until December 29.
In light of the attack, mourning ceremonies are being organized, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the victims.
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