THE suspected driver that killed at least five people at a German Christmas market stayed at a nearby hotel to plot the deadly rampage, local media claims.
Refugee Saudi doctor Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, was arrested soon after the deadly attack at in Magdeburg.
Five people, including a nine-year-old child, have been confirmed as dead due to the car crash last night.
Another 205 people were injured, with at least 15 being seriously hurt after a car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.
Officials fear the number of deaths could rise in the coming hours.
Taleb al-Abdulmohsen is said to have stayed at the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg numerous times in November and December which is where he may have prepared the crime, according to Spiegel.
The city’s councillor for public order Ronni Krug made a heartbreaking remark earlier today saying: “Christmas in Magdeburg is over.”
Armed cops caught the refugee and placed him in handcuffs next to a rented BMW SUV believed to have been used in the chilling incident.
He was allegedly under the influence of drugs after an initial drug wipe test came back as positive, a police source told Bild.
It comes as…
- Five confirmed dead, including one toddler
- Over 200 injured with dozens in a critical condition
- Suspect named as Saudi doctor Taleb A
- Taleb was allegedly under the influence of drugs when arrested
- Police issue UK terror warning over fears of “copycat strike”
- Harry Kane leads tributes to victims
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks on tragedy
Murder and attempted murder charges are being prepared against the suspect in yesterday’s heinous attack, German officials say.
It is being reported that Taleb is an anti-Islam activist who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, according to Bild.
German interior minister Nancy Faeser confirmed to reporters today that the suspect is Islamophobic.
The motive in the attack remains unclear currently, but the suspect’s dissatisfaction at the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany may have been a factor, German officials say.
The doctor is also said to have shared hundreds of strange posts on his social media in the days before the attack.
One allegedly claimed he felt that Germany wanted to “Islamicise” Europe, the newspaper reported.
He is reportedly also a vocal supporter of the hard-Right AfD party.
Taleb has lived in the nearby town of Bernburg – just over 30 minutes from Magdeburg – since fleeing the Middle East.
German media say he became a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and works in the neighbouring town.
He has been officially recognised as a refugee since 2016, local media say.
Pictures show his home was quickly surrounded by cops after his identity was revealed as investigators raided the building at around 3:45am.
Taleb was due to appear in court recently for the “misuse of emergency calls,” Bild reports.
In February of this year he appeared at a police station to file a report and, while still at the scene, called the fire department emergency number while seemingly confused.
He received a fine for the misuse, according to Spiegel.
German media also say they have spotted Taleb in a BBC documentary back in 2019.
He spoke on his work as an activist trying to help others be granted safe asylum out of Saudi Arabia.
In the video he can be heard calling himself an ex-Muslim and claims to have helped hundreds of people flee the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabian officials are believed to have warned Germany about Taleb prior to the deadly car crash, Reuters reports.
They cited an “insider” from the Kingdom who said concerns were raised after the suspect posted extremist views on social media.
Saudi Arabia is said to have submitted an extradition request against the alleged killer as he was wanted in the country with an arrest warrant, media outlet Welt claim.
Their foreign ministry condemned the attack yesterday and said it will stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s love ones.
They are yet to comment on the suspect.
A motive for the attack is still yet to be announced as German officials continue to investigate.
Suspect, Taleb, was travelling at up to 40mph when he first smashed into people at the festive celebrations, horrified witnesses said.
He reportedly raced through the packed market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving trails of devastation in his path.
There were also reports claiming there may have been a bomb in the passenger seat of the BMW after a suspicious piece of luggage was found.
Magdeburg prime minister Reiner Haseloff told reporters at the scene: “We have arrested the perpetrator.
“From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don’t think there is any further danger for the city.”
Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.
The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.
Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.
Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.
A special hotline was set up last night for family and friends fearing for their loved ones.
As fears are also growing of a “copycat” attack over in the UK.
Messages of solidarity pour in
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Magdeburg today and addressed a large crowd in the heartbroken city.
He described the events as “a terribly, tragic incident” as he confirmed five people have been confirmed as dead so far.
Scholz said: “What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality.
“Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them.”
“It is important that nothing remains uninvestigated, that every stone is turned,” he added.
Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the advent season in peace and community.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”
Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”
Star English footballer Harry Kane, who is playing for Bayern Munich, also shared a tribute in a post on X.
He said: “Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important.
“My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy.”
The German footballing giants in Munich decided to cancel a planned Christmas ceremony which was scheduled for after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.
The crowd came together instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.
French President Emmanuel Macron also added he is “deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market”.
A memorial service for those who have died is due to take place later today.
Eight years ago, Germany faced a similar horrifying attack after a failed asylum seeker with Islamist links crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin.
Twelve people died after Anis Amri caused the fatal incident and went on the run.
