A devastating incident shook Germany on Friday evening when a 50-year-old Saudi national drove his vehicle into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing five people, including a young child, and injuring over 200 others.
The attack has left the nation mourning and questioning its sense of safety.
The suspect, who has resided in Germany for nearly 20 years and worked as a psychiatrist in Bernburg, was arrested at the scene and is being questioned by authorities.
Officials have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
Saxony-Anhalt Governor Reiner Haseloff confirmed the death toll had risen to five and expressed concern for the dozens of critically injured victims.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed these sentiments, noting that nearly 40 of the injured are in serious condition.
The suspect, identified in media reports as Taleb A., had a history of sharing anti-Islamic views online, congratulating Muslims who left their faith and accusing German authorities of leniency toward Islamism.
He also supported far-right ideologies and was vocal about his belief that Saudi asylum seekers were unfairly targeted by German authorities.
Mourners gathered near the site of the tragedy, lighting candles and leaving flowers in memory of the victims.
A Berlin church choir sang “Amazing Grace,” offering solace to those affected.
Prominent terrorism expert Peter Neumann described the suspect’s profile as unprecedented, noting his alignment with far-right ideologies despite being a Saudi ex-Muslim.
“This case defies expectations,” Neumann said.
Authorities have stated that the attacker acted alone and there is no further threat to the city. Governor Haseloff called the attack a “terrible tragedy” and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
